Suspensions, Fines Over Integrity Issues

Published: December 7, 2016 11:15 am EST

More fines and suspensions have been handed out in the Down Under harness racing industry, as a probe looking into allegations of racing integrity issues have resulted in significant suspensions and four-figure fines to multiple racing participants.

In October 2016, Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Stewards commenced an investigation into disqualified person Mr. Jackson Painting and the ownership of the registered Standardbred Ultimate Sheldon NZ after information was received from Harness Racing Victoria (HRV).

On 25 October 2016, HRNSW Stewards commenced an Inquiry in relation to this matter.

Mr. Jackson Painting, Mr. Nathan Jack, Ms. Amanda Turnbull, Ms. Ellen Bartley and Mrs. Janet Painting all appeared at the Inquiry.

HRNSW Stewards issued the following charges against Mr. Jackson Painting:

Charge 1

AHRR 259 (1) A disqualified person or a person whose name appears in the current list of disqualifications published or adopted by a recognised harness racing authority or a person warned off cannot do any of the following:

(a) associate with persons connected with the harness racing industry for purposes relating to that industry…

(h) participate in any manner in the harness racing industry….

(j) place, or have placed on their behalf, or have any other interest in, a bet on any Australian harness racing race….

(7) A disqualified person who fails to comply with this Rule is guilty of an offence and is liable to a penalty.

Charge 2

AHRR 245 A person shall not direct, persuade, encourage or assist anyone to breach these rules or otherwise engage in an improper practice.

Charge 3

AHRR 187(2) A person shall not refuse to answer questions or to produce a horse, document, substance or piece of equipment, or give false or misleading evidence or information at an inquiry or investigation.

Mr. Painting pleaded guilty to Charges 1 and 2 and was found guilty of Charge 3. Mr. Painting was issued with the following penalties:

Charge 1 - 12-month disqualification to be served cumulative to the recommencement of the original period of disqualification. In total, Mr. Painting is disqualified for a period of three years and three months from May 6, 2015.

Charge 2 - $1,000 fine

Charge 3 - $1,000 fine

Mr. Painting was advised of his right to appeal this decision

HRNSW Stewards issued the following charges against Ms. Ellen Bartley:

Charge 1

AHRR 230 Except with the consent of the Controlling Body a person shall not associate for purposes relating to the harness racing industry with a disqualified person or a person whose name appears in the current list of disqualifications published or adopted by a recognised harness racing authority.

Charge 2

AHRR 187(2) A person shall not refuse to answer questions or to produce a horse, document, substance or piece of equipment, or give false or misleading evidence or information at an inquiry or investigation.

Ms. Bartley pleaded guilty to both charges and was issued with the following penalties:

Charge 1 - six-month disqualification to commence immediately

Charge 2 - $1,000 fine

Ms. Bartley was advised of her right to appeal this decision.

HRNSW Stewards issued the following charge against Mrs. Janet Painting:

AHRR 239A A person whose conduct or negligence has led or could lead to a breach of the rules is guilty of an offence.

Mrs. Painting pleaded guilty to the charge was issued with a fine of $1,000. Mrs. Painting was advised of her right to appeal.

HRNSW Stewards also issued the following charges against Mr. John Pett:

Charge 1

AHRR 239A A person whose conduct or negligence has led or could lead to a breach of the rules is guilty of an offence.

Charge 2

AHRR 230 Except with the consent of the Controlling Body a person shall not associate for purposes relating to the harness racing industry with a disqualified person or a person whose name appears in the current list of disqualifications published or adopted by a recognised harness racing authority

Mr. Pett pleaded guilty to both charges and was issued with the following penalties:

Charge 1 - $1,000

Charge 2 - six-month disqualification to commence immediately

Mr. Pett was also advised of his right to appeal this decision.

Harness Racing NSW (HRNSW) is the controlling body for harness racing in New South Wales with responsibility for commercial and regulatory management of the industry including 33 racing clubs across the State. HRNSW is headed by an industry-appointed Board of Directors and is independent of Government.

(HRNSW)

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