On Friday, May 11, the Ontario Racing Commission released rulings into appeals and the proposed notice of proposed order regarding licensee Brian Roy Lawson

.

The contents of the release appear below (please note that the ORC Panel's oral reasons for decision can be read by clicking on the link which is embedded at the bottom of the ruling).

On May 10, 2012, a Panel of the Ontario Racing Commission (“ORC”) was convened consisting of Commission Member, John Macdonald as Acting Chair, to hear the two appeals and the Notice of Proposed Order to refuse licence application.

Lawson attended the hearing in person.

Brian Tropea, General Manager, Ontario Harness Horse Association, appeared as the
representative for Lawson.

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

Upon reviewing the exhibits filed, and upon hearing the submissions of both Brian Tropea and counsel for the Administration, the Panel ruled as follows:

I - Re Standardbred Official Ruling SB 29955 (Premarin)

Violation date: December 9, 2003 at Flamboro Downs Raceway

1. Lawson has abandoned his appeal against conviction for violation of Standardbred Rule of Racing 10.01 (b);
2. On consent, the penalty imposed is varied as follows:

• fine of $5,000 and
• a six-month full suspension, consecutive to suspensions currently being served;
• and

II - Re Standardbred Official Ruling SB 29994 (syringe)

Violation date: March 16, 2004 at Flamboro Downs Raceway

1. Lawson has abandoned his appeal against conviction for violation of Standardbred Rule of Racing 10.1 (a);
2. On consent, the penalty imposed is varied as follows:

• fine of $3,500 and
• a four-month full suspension, consecutive to suspensions currently being served and
  consecutive to the suspension imposed for the December 9, 2003 violation.
• and

III - Re Notice of Proposed Order to Refuse Licence Application dated March 5, 2005

• On consent, the Notice of Proposed Order to refuse to issue a licence to Lawson is
  withdrawn by the Administration;
• and

IV - Other

• On consent, there are no orders as to costs.

An excerpt of the Oral Decision of the Panel on May 10, 2012 is attached to this Ruling.

(ORC)