Harness Stewards Inquiry – Trainer/Driver Mr. Ben Millen
Racing and Wagering WA (RWWA) Stewards have concluded an inquiry concerning Harness Trainer/Driver Mr. Ben Millen following an inspection of his registered training premises by RWWA Integrity Officials on Tuesday 12 May 2020 where it was alleged he had refused to allow them to conduct an inspection of a fridge at the premises.
At the inquiry conducted on Thursday 21 May 2020, after hearing evidence from RWWA Senior Harness Steward Mr. Chris Jasprizza and Senior Investigative Steward Mr. Paul Criddle, Mr. Millen pleaded guilty to the following charge.
Harness Rule of Racing – 238 Failure to comply with orders
Particulars (summary): That on 12 May 2020 when Stewards attended his premises he did fail to comply with the requirement of the Stewards to conduct a search and inspection of a fridge located in the area he resided that was located on the premises.
After reserving their decision with respect to penalty, the Stewards subsequently determined on Monday 25 May 2020 to impose a disqualification of 4 months for this offence with effect from the date his licences were suspended (13 May 2020).
In determining this matter, the Stewards took into account several aspects including:
- The plea of guilt, prior good record and the personal circumstances that applied.
- That although Mr. Millen had been licensed as a Driver for many years he had only become licensed as a Trainer since December 2019.
- Range of penalties issued previously in similar matters.
- That the Rules of Racing, consistent with the RWWA Act 2003, afford the Stewards important powers to enter at any time upon premises occupied by or under the control of a licensed person to conduct inspections and searches. This includes all land, buildings or any fixed or movable structure, including any vehicle located on such premises.
- That his failure to comply with the requirement of the Stewards was therefore a serious and fundamental breach of his obligations under the Rules that compromised the Stewards ability to ensure the integrity of the industry.
- The need for the penalty to have suitable deterrence to discourage all from similar conduct.
- The need to maintain confidence in the racing industry.