The Ontario Racing Commission this afternoon released its rulings in regard recent appeals from horsemen Chris DesRoches and Leopold Auger

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Auger sought an appeal before the commission to dispute the Judges Ruling No. SB 39206 issued against him on July 11, 2008.

On December 17, 2008, an ORC Panel of the Commission consisting of chair Rod Seiling and commissioners George Kelly and Bernard Brennan, DVM, convened to hear the appeal.

Luisa Ritacca and Brennagh Smith appeared as counsel for the administration. Leopold Auger was self-represented.

Upon hearing the evidence presented by the parties and upon reviewing the written submissions filed, the ORC denied the appeal. Auger’s penalty remains a full suspension of 10 days and a fine of $500.

The Panel’s reasons for decision can be read here.

DesRoches had appealed against the decision of the Ontario Sires Stakes to render the 2009 foals of his stallion, Imagesetter, ineligible to compete in the OSS program.

On January 7, 2009, an ORC panel consisting of chair Rod Seiling was convened to hear the matter. DesRoches appeared on his own behalf. Jennifer Friedman appeared as counsel for the administration.

Upon hearing the evidence, reviewing the exhibits filed, and upon hearing the closing submissions, the ORC panel of the Commission ruled that it accepted DesRoches' appeal and that the five foals sired by Imagesetter are eligible for the 2009 OSS program.

The transcript with the panel’s reasons for decision can be viewed by clicking here.

(With files from the ORC)