The Ontario Racing Commission has released an update surrounding an appeal from horseman Chris DesRoches

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DesRoches appealed Ruling SB 91/2010, dated May 11, 2010, wherein he was suspended for failing to honour a judgment in favour of Freelton Feeds Inc., in the amount of $8,279.71, in violation of Rule 3.09 of the Rules of Standardbred Racing.

The appeal was scheduled to proceed on August 24, 2010, at 1:00 p.m., before a panel of the ORC consisting of chair Rod Seiling, commissioner John MacDonald, and commissioner Dan Nixon.

Angela Holland appeared as counsel for the administration. DesRoches was not in attendance.

On August 24, 2010, prior to the commencement of the hearing, DesRoches contacted the ORC and advised that he was unable to attend as he was unable to drive due to medical reasons. The panel then attempted to contact DesRoches in order to have him attend the hearing by phone but was unsuccessful.

As a result of DesRoches’ non-attendance, the panel adjourned the hearing to September 14, 2010, at 1:00 p.m., on a peremptory basis.

Further, the panel ordered that DesRoches provide the ORC, from his attending physician, confirmation of his medical condition and inability to drive, within 24 hours (Wednesday, August 25, 2010, at 5:00 p.m.).

The transcript with the panel’s oral decision can be read by viewing the official release here