The Ontario Racing Commission today released its ruling on the appeal of licensee Chris DesRoches

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DesRoches was 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 originally scheduled to proceed on August 24, 2010, but DesRoches was not in attendance.

As a result of DesRoches’ non-attendance, the ORC panel adjourned the hearing to September 14, 2010, on a peremptory basis.

On September 14, 2010, a panel of the ORC consisting of vice-chair James Donnelly, commissioner John Macdonald, and commissioner David Gorman was convened to hear the matter.

Angela Holland appeared as counsel for the administration. No one appeared on behalf of DesRoches and DesRoches was not in attendance.

Upon reviewing the exhibits filed, and upon hearing the testimony of Michael Wilson -- assistant manager of racing, and submissions of counsel for the administration -- the panel ordered as follows:

• i. The appeal is dismissed;
• ii. Ruling SB 91/2010 is confirmed. However, if the parties are able to agree on a payment schedule, application may be made to the director for licence reinstatement conditional upon compliance with the payment schedule;
• iii. DesRoches is to pay $200 in partial recovery of the costs thrown away in consequence of his failure to appear at the hearing, although duly notified.

The transcript with the panel’s oral decision can be read in the official ruling.

(ORC)