On Monday, February 6, the Ontario Racing Commission released its ruling in regard to the appeal of horseman Alan Morrison, who was appealing the one-year full suspension, two-year probation and $6,000 fine he was handed for a 'Class II' positive test for ephedrine
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The ruling states that, as a preliminary matter, the ORC administration sought an abridged penalty of 90 days and a $3,000 fine on the basis that ephedrine positives have been treated as Class III instead of Class II.
Upon hearing the testimony of ORC Senior Judge Mike Brown, investigator Steve Rushton, official veterinarian Adam Chambers, reviewing the exhibits filed, and upon considering the submissions of Morrison and counsel, the ORC panel denied the appeal, but varied the penalty with the following result:
- A 90-day suspension less time served;
- 30 days of the remaining suspension shall be stayed, which stay shall immediately expire should there be a further violation;
- Morrison's suspension began on December 6, 2011 and shall conclude on February 6, 2012;
- Two-year probation (February 6, 2012 to February 5, 2014) with conditions.
To read the conditions, and the transcript of the panel's decision, view an official copy of the ruling by clicking here.
(With files from the ORC)