After having been handed a five-year suspension last fall due to a fifth drug infraction, horseman Mike Stevenson is now back racing, as he has been granted a full
reinstatement from the Maritime Provinces Harness Racing Commission.
The 46-year-old Stevenson, who hadn't raced since October 10, 2010, was back in the bike for pari-mutuel dashes on July 9.
In an article by The Journal Pioneer, MPHRC Director of Racing Paul Hogan was quoted as saying, "He (Stevenson) had a hearing before the commission and they reviewed the facts and made a decision based on the information that was put before them."
The report states that Stevenson has signed a post-violation agreement. He will be on probation until December 31, 2013; has been order to attend counselling sessions, and perform 25 hours of community service.
Last fall, when asked by the CBC if he were to appeal his five-year suspension, Stevenson, who has recorded more than 1,200 career driving victories, said, “There is nothing to appeal.”
The Journal Pioneer's report states that Harold DeCourcey, chair of the panel which signed off on the decision to reinstate Stevenson, could not be reached for comment yesterday.
(With files from The Journal Pioneer)
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Hopefully things will work
Hopefully things will work out well for Mike Stevenson. He really is a very good driver and hopefully he is able to take full advantage of a very good opportunity. In my opinion, he would rate in the top three drivers at Charlottetown. Maybe if all goes well, you'll have a legit shot at winning the highly coveted Gold Cup and Saucer in 2011.
let,s hope that mike has
let,s hope that mike has finaly kicked the habit.he has proven over his life time his ability with horses ,as both trainer and driver.but he has to knowthis is his lastshot.
In reply to let,s hope that mike has by big bob
sgd glen smith may as well
sgd glen smith may as well burn the rule book this guy has been caught too many times to count cant be helped other drivers have to look out for them selves as racing comission is certainly not doing it or infact their job .