The Ontario Racing Commission has released its ruling in regard to the appeal and request for hearing of horseman Robert Campbell

.

Campbell was appealing a $500 fine and 15-day suspension in accordance with Rule 36.08(c) (i) of the Rules of Standardbred Racing.

The ORC ruling appears below, and, at the bottom, includes a link to an official copy of the ruling.

Robert R. Campbell (“Campbell”) is licensed by the Ontario Racing Commission (“ORC”) as a Driver/Trainer/Owner (license #B93951).

On June 24, 2011, the Deputy Director of the ORC issued Ruling Number SB 91/2011 to Campbell wherein he was fined $500 and suspended for 15 days (June 24 to July 8, 2011) in accordance with Rule 36.08(c) (i) of the Rules of Standardbred Racing (“SB Rules”). Pursuant to Rule 36.08(f) of SB Rules, Campbell was also required to meet conditions prior to licence reinstatement.

On July 18, 2011, the Executive Director of the ORC issued Ruling Number SB 113/2011 to Campbell confirming that Campbell satisfied the conditions for reinstatement and, thereby, was reinstated.

On February 3, 2012, the Judges at Western Fair issued Standardbred Official Ruling SB 44802 to Campbell wherein he was fined $300 and suspended for 5 days (February 3 to 7, 2012) pursuant to Rule 36.08(b) (i) of SB Rules.

On February 8, 2012, Campbell submitted an Application for Reinstatement Hearing.

On February 10, 2012, the Deputy Director of the ORC issued Ruling Number SB 12/2012 wherein Campbell was referred to a Panel of the ORC.

On February 13, 2012, a Notice of Hearing was issued to notify the parties that a Panel of the ORC would be convening for this matter on February 22, 2012.

On February 22, 2012, a Panel of the ORC, comprised of Chair Rod Seiling, was convened to hear this matter.

Campbell attended in person, and was unrepresented. Jennifer Friedman appeared as counsel for the Administration of the ORC.

Upon hearing the submissions of counsel for the Administration of the ORC in respect to an abridged penalty, which was on consent of Campbell, the Commission ordered as follows:

1. The $300 that Campbell has paid to the ORC be credited towards satisfying the February 21, 2012 invoice from Morneau Shepell in the amount of $2,373;
2. Campbell shall pay to the ORC the remaining balance in the amount of $2,073 by June 22, 2012;
3. Campbell’s post-violation agreement shall be extended from one year to two years in duration;
4. Campbell shall make all after-care reports available to the ORC forthwith; and
5. Campbell shall keep the peace and be of good behaviour for the duration of his post-violation agreement. Failure to do so will result in his immediate suspension and he shall appear before the Director of the ORC.

The transcript with the Panel’s Oral Decision is attached to this Ruling.