The Ontario Racing Commission released a ruling in regard to the appeal of horse owner Lascelles DaCosta

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The contents of the ORC ruling appears below.

Standardbred owner Lascelles DaCosta appealed a decision of the Ontario Racing Commission wherein a Notice of Proposed Order (NOP) to revoke his licence was issued May 27, 2009, as a result of a due diligence investigation which uncovered an extensive criminal record and licensing history which was not disclosed on either of DaCosta’s 2009 new applicant application or his 2010 renewal application.

The appeal was heard on July 13, 2010 by a panel of the Ontario Racing Commission consisting of Chair Rod Seiling.

Angela Holland appeared as counsel for the Administration. DaCosta appeared on his own behalf.

Upon hearing the testimony of Detective Constable Lorra Deasy and DaCosta, upon reviewing the exhibits filed, and upon hearing the submissions of counsel for the administration and DaCosta, the panel denied the appeal but varied the penalty.

The penalty was varied as follows:

• i. DaCosta’s licence is suspended for twelve months, the suspension is stayed for ten months and he is fined $3,000.
• ii. His suspension of two months is to include the time of issuance of the NOP (May 27, 2010), therefore his suspension is to expire on July 26, 2010.
• iii. He will be on probation for the term of his stay (July 27, 2010 – May 27, 2011), he is to keep the peace and be of good behaviour. Failure to comply will mean the stay automatically expires.

The panel’s Reasons for Decision can be read by clicking here.