The Ontario Racing Commission today released rulings on seven appeals, including that of driver Al Cullen

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On July 22, 2010, a panel of the ORC, consisting of the Chair Rod Seiling, convened to hear the Application for Reinstatement by driver Al Cullen, who has produced multiple positive drug tests in the past handful of years.

The ORC ruled that Cullen may apply to the ORC for a driver’s licence for standardbred horses upon the following conditions:

• 1) Cullen will be on probation for a period of two years.
• 2) Cullen will be subject to random alcohol and drug testing at his expense.
• 3) Detection of any alcohol or drug over the legal limits will result in an automatic licence suspension for five years.
• 4) Cullen must sign a Post-Violation Agreement with the ORC.
• 5) Cullen must enroll and actively participate in a drug rehabilitation program approved by a substance abuse professional of the ORC.
• 6) Regular reports from the program must be filed with the ORC.
• 7) Cullen must keep the peace and be of good behaviour while he is on probation.
• 8) Regarding the spinal injections, Cullen must provide to the ORC information from the attending physician as to what medications are administered to Cullen.
• 9) If Cullen requires a script for drugs such as Oxycodone he is not to drive in any race. Failure to comply will result in the immediate suspension of his licence automatically.

To view the official ruling in regard to Cullen, click here.

On July 21, 2010, an ORC panel comprised of Chair Rod Seiling, convened for the purpose of hearing the appeal of horseman Steve Bossence, who was appealing a ruling in regard to the horse Chick N Tell on May 24, 2010 at Mohawk Racetrack.

After reviewing the evidence, hearing testimony, and upon considering the closing submissions, the panel denied the appeal.

To view the official ruling in regard to the Bossence appeal, click here.

On July 21, 2010, an ORC panel comprised of Chair Rod Seiling, convened for the purpose of hearing the appeal of horseman Mike Langdon, who was appealing a $300 fine and a five-day driving suspension for excessive action while urging the horse Savannas Getway at Flamboro Downs on June 4, 2010.

Langdon pleaded guilty to the offence and the panel upheld the Judges’ Ruling of the $300 fine and five-day driving suspension, which are to be served on July 25, 26, 27, 28 and 29, 2010.

To view the official ruling in regard to the Langdon appeal, click here.

On July 21, 2010, an ORC panel comprised of Chair Rod Seiling, convened for the purpose of hearing the appeal of horseman James MacDonald who was appealing a three-day driving suspension for bearing in past the three-quarter pole on May 22, 2010, at Hanover Raceway which caused interference.

Macdonald pleaded guilty to the charge and the panel set a three-day driving suspension for July 27, 28 and 29, 2010, inclusive.

To view the official ruling in regard to the MacDonald appeal, click here.

On July 21, 2010, an ORC panel comprised of Chair Rod Seiling convened for the purpose of hearing the appeal of horseman Dan Megens who was appealing a three-day driving suspension for bearing on the first turn at Flamboro Downs on May 26, 2010 which caused driver Anthony MacDonald to bear in and go inside the pylons.

Megens did not attend the hearing, citing health reasons.

The panel made a decision to postpone the appeal to August 16, 2010, provided medical documentation is received by the end of the day, July 21, 2010.

To view the official ruling in regard to the Megens appeal, click here.

On July 21, 2010, an ORC panel comprised of Chair Rod Seiling, convened for the purpose of hearing the appeal of driver Nick Steward who was appealing a three-day driving suspension for causing interference past the three-quarters pole at Woodstock Raceway on May 29, 2010.

Steward did not attend the hearing, citing medical reasons

The panel postponed the appeal to August 16, 2010, provided documentation from Steward’s doctor was received by the end of the day, July 21, 2010.

To view the official ruling in regard to the Steward appeal, click here.

On July 21, 2010, an ORC panel comprised of Chair Rod Seiling convened to hear the appeal of Murray Weber, who was appealing the ineligibility of horse Protégé Seelster to Hanover Raceway's Dream Of Glory Stakes.

After reviewing the evidence, hearing testimony, and upon considering the closing submissions, the panel denied the appeal.

To view the official ruling in regard to the Weber appeal, click here.

(With files from the ORC)