The Ontario Racing Commission has released its ruling on the appeal and request for hearing of driver

Gord Brown.

On November 6, 2009, Standardbred Ruling Number SB 185/2009 was issued by the executive director of the ORC against Brown.

The Order was as follows:

• i. for misleading Commission legal counsel,
• (a) a fine of $1,500 and
• (b) a suspension for 5 days, (effective November 12, 2009).

• ii. for failure to attend a hearing pursuant to a summons to a witness,
• (a) a fine of $1,000 and
• (b) a suspension of 3 days, to be served consecutively.

On November 6, 2009, the penalty was stayed pending the hearing of the appeal.

On November 19, 2009, the matter was heard before a panel of the ORC, consisting of chair Rod Seiling,

Brown appeared in person. Brown was self-represented. Anthony Williams appeared as counsel for the administration.

Upon reading the exhibits filed and upon hearing the submissions presented, the order of the panel was as follows:

• The appeal is denied.
• The penalty is varied as follows:

• i. for misleading Commission legal counsel,
• (a) a fine of $750, and
• (b) a suspension of 3 days.
• ii. for failure to attend a hearing pursuant to a summons to a witness,
• (a) a fine of $500.

The suspension will take effect following completion of drives for which Brown is already programmed.

The panel's reasons for decision can be reading the official copy of the ruling, which can be viewed here.

(With files from the ORC)