The Ontario Racing Commission has issued its official ruling into the appeal process of Brian Roy Lawson

.

The content of the official ruling appears below.

On November 1, 2011, the Ontario Racing Commission (“ORC”), by Ruling Number SB 053/2011, ordered that the three appeals by Lawson which had been adjourned, sine die, on May 10, 2005, (the appeals from occurrence dates December 8, 2003, December 9, 2003 and March 16, 2004):

• 1 - must be scheduled within 3 months of this date (November 1, 2011); and
• 2 - must be heard no later than 2 months thereafter; or the appeals will be dismissed by this order.

The three appeals were scheduled to be heard on Wednesday, April 4, 2012, at 9:00 a.m. at Toronto before a Panel of the ORC.

The Application for Adjournment Hearing of the three appeals was scheduled for Wednesday, March 21, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. at Toronto.

On March 21, 2012, at 9:00 a.m., a Panel of the ORC was convened consisting of Commission Member John Macdonald, as Acting Chair, and Commission Member Dan Nixon.

Lawson did not attend the Hearing.

Lawson was not represented at the Hearing by counsel or other representative.

Anthony Williams appeared as counsel for the Administration of the ORC.

Upon reviewing the exhibits filed, Factum of the Respondent and a facsimile transmission letter dated March 20, 2012, from Arlene McCarthy, representative for Lawson, and upon hearing the submissions of counsel for the Administration of the ORC, the Panel ruled as follows:

• 1 - the request by Lawson for adjournments was denied;
• 2 - the Hearings set for Wednesday, April 4, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. at Toronto are to proceed as scheduled.
• A- an order of $500 in costs for the Adjournment Hearing is made against Lawson;
• B - the costs are payable forthwith.

The oral Decision of the Panel is attached to this Ruling.