The Ontario Racing Commission (ORC) released its ruling on the appeal and request for hearing by Jason Robertson on Friday evening.
Robertson appealed against the Director’s Notice of Proposed Order to Refuse to Issue a Licence.
On September 13, 2012, a Panel of the Ontario Racing Commission consisting of Chair Rod Seiling, Commissioner John Macdonald, and Commissioner Pam Frostad was convened to hear this matter.
Robertson was in attendance, and was represented by his legal counsel, Edmond Paquette and Terry Waltenbury. Jennifer Friedman appeared as counsel for the Administration of the ORC.
Upon hearing the testimony of Oleh Kupraty, Rasa Malinauskas, Dr. P.J. Rocheleau, Dr. Bruce Duncan (qualified as an expert witness) and Robertson, considering the exhibits filed, and upon reviewing the written submissions, the Panel denies Robertson's appeal as follows:
1. There were reasonable grounds to believe that while Robertson carries out activities for which a licence is required, he will not act in accordance with the law or with integrity, honesty or in the public interest having regard for his past conduct.
2. Robertson was carrying on activities that were in contravention of the rules and terms of his licence which was under suspension.
3. His conduct placed the integrity of the horse racing industry in Ontario in question.
4. The public interest requires that his licence remains suspended.
Robertson is eligible to re-apply for a licence in two years.
A transcript of the Panel’s Oral Decision is available here.
(With files from ORC)