April 18, 2011

MICHAEL ARMSTRONG

The Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) Racing Appeals and Disciplinary (RAD) Board today heard a matter in regards to three charges issued by HRV Stewards under Australian Rule of Harness Racing (ARHR) 259(1)(h) against licensed trainer Mr Michael Armstrong.

ARHR 259(1)(h) reads as follows:

259(1) A disqualified person or a person whose name appears in the current list of disqualifications published or adopted by a recognised harness racing authority or a person warned off cannot do any of the following-

(h) participate in any manner in the harness racing industry.

The charges issued by HRV Stewards against Mr Armstrong related to a period between 25 March 2009 and 6 May 2009 when Mr Armstrong, whilst being a disqualified person, engaged and directed licensed stablehand Mr Arthur Abela to perform duties relating to the training, care and education of two non-racing standardbreds during this time.

Mr Armstrong pleaded guilty to the three charges and after considering submissions regarding penalty, the HRV RAD Board imposed a $1,000 fine with respect to each of the three breaches, resulting in a total fine of $3,000 being imposed.

ARTHUR ABELA

The Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) Racing Appeals and Disciplinary (RAD) Board today heard a matter in regards to a charge issued by HRV Stewards under Australian Rule of Harness Racing (ARHR) 230 against Mr Arthur Abela, a former stablehand licence holder.

ARHR 230 reads as follows:

230 Except with the consent of the Controlling Body a person shall not associate for purposes relating to the harness racing industry with a disqualified person or a person whose name appears in the current list of disqualifications published or adopted by a recognised harness racing authority.

The charge issued by HRV Stewards against Mr Abela related to a period between 25 March 2009 and 6 May 2009 when Mr Abela associated with disqualified (at the time) person Mr Michael Armstrong. During this time, Mr Abela received and carried out instructions from Mr Armstrong relating to the training, care and education of two non-racing standardbreds.

Mr Abela pleaded guilty to the charge and after considering submissions regarding penalty, the HRV RAD Board imposed a $1,000 fine.