The Ontario Racing Commission today released its rulings in regard to a total of six appeals from drivers Aaron Byron, Yves Filion, Brad Forward, Doug McNair and
Randy Waples.
The ORC ruled on two appeals from Byron.
The first of Byron's appeals was in regard to him being fined $500 and suspended from driving for 15 days for violation of ORC Rule 22.23.01(a) and (b) of the Standardbred Rules of Racing while driving the horse Azoreansailor in Race 11 at Georgian Downs on December 18, 2009.
After reviewing the evidence, hearing the testimony of judge Tom Miller, and upon considering the closing submissions, the ORC denied the appeal. Byron shall serve the 15-day driving suspension (March 24, 2010 - April 7, 2010 inclusive) and also pay the $500 fine.
The ORC's reasons for decision can be read by viewing an official copy of the ruling, which is here.
The second of Byron's appeals was in regard to ORC judges issuing Standardbred Official Ruling SB 41102 on January 18, 2010. Byron was suspended from driving for three days for violation of ORC Rule 22.05.01 (a) of the Rules of Standardbred Racing while driving the horse Haulinoars during Race 5 at Western Fair Raceway on January 18, 2010.
After reviewing the evidence, hearing the testimony of judge Neil McCoag, and upon considering the closing submissions, the ORC denied the appeal. Byron shall serve the three-day driving suspension (April 8, 9 and 10, 2010 inclusive).
The ORC's reasons for decision can be read by viewing an official copy of the ruling, which is here.
Filion's appeal was in regard to judges' issue of Standardbred Official Ruling SB41631 on December 18, 2009 wherein Filion was fined $200 and suspended from driving for three days and the horse Quincy Bayama was placed from second to ninth for violation of ORC Rule 22.23.04(a). The ruling stated that Filion failed to keep a line in each hand and did strike the horse with the whip.
After reviewing the evidence, hearing the testimony of judge Don Raymond, and upon considering the closing submissions, the ORC allowed Filion's appeal in part. Filion shall serve a three-day driving suspension (March 23, 24 and 25, 2010 inclusive) and pay a $100 fine, however, the placing of Quincy Bayama is overturned and the horse is reinstated to the second-place finish.
The ORC's reasons for decision can be read by viewing an official copy of the ruling, which is here.
Forward's appeal was in regard to the judges' issuing of Standardbred Official Ruling SB 41104 on February 1, wherein Forward was fined $200 for violation of ORC Rule 22.05.01 (m) of the Rules of Standardbred Racing while driving the horse Headpoles R US prior to Race 5 at Western Fair Raceway.
After reviewing the evidence, hearing the testimony of judge Neil McCoag, and upon considering the closing submissions, the ORC denied the appeal. Forward is fined the amount of $200.
The ORC's reasons for decision can be read by viewing an official copy of the ruling, which is here.
McNair's appeal was in regard to the judges' issuing of Standardbred Official Ruling SB41103 on February 1 wherein McNair was fined $200 for violation of ORC Rule 22.05.01 (m) of the Rules of Standardbred Racing while driving the horse St Ladsseraph prior to Race 5 at Western Fair Raceway.
After reviewing the evidence, hearing the testimony of judge Neil McCoag, and upon considering the closing submissions, the ORC denied the appeal. McNair is fined the amount of $200.
The ORC's reasons for decision can be read by viewing an official copy of the ruling, which is here.
Waples' appeal was in regard to the judges' issuing of Standardbred Official Ruling SB42016 on January 23 wherein Waples was fined $100 and the horse Panmunjom was placed from first to second for violation of ORC Rule 18.08.02 of the Rules of Standardbred Racing (driving inside one pylon in the stretch and gaining an unfair advantage on another horse during Race 8 at Woodbine Racetrack.
After reviewing the evidence, hearing the testimony of judge Doug Hopkins, and upon considering the closing submissions, the ORC denied the appeal.
The ORC's reasons for decision can be read by viewing an official copy of the ruling, which is here.
(With files from the ORC)
The ORC preaches
The ORC preaches transparency yet they give no reason for overturning the disqualification of Filion's horse. Their only explanation is on Line #18 of the transcript, "because of I think different factors". The ORC was more worried about getting Filion's days straightened out than giving the public an explanation.
This is not just about the
This is not just about the urging rules, but all violations. Why are we disqualifying horses for technical violations of the rules (where there is a violation but no impact on the eventual outcome of the race)? Wouldn't it be better to leave the horse up and deal with the offender of a rule violation afterwards. Of course, if it effected the outcome of the race, then disqualify the horse. It just seems we are ticking the customer off needlessly.
MR Mailman writes what the
MR Mailman writes what the rest know(good on him). There never is justice for the "betting public"!!
A perfect illustration of
A perfect illustration of what is wrong with this whipping rule and the biggest hole in the argument for it as it stands. As usual, the public gets the shaft.By the way, I did have this ticket, and I lived with the disappointment, because I am a diehard who is impossible to kill, but what of others?
There are,of course, other rules that similarily punish the public when Judges make wrong decisions, and there are plenty of such instances. What bothers me is that most of the punters will never know, or get their just due. Perhaps it is time that something was done to correct this injustice as well. Does anyone have any imagination or vision? How about giving the public back their money at a later date when such errors are found, if they keep their tickets? perhaps keeping a slush fund from uncashed tickets that usually goes to the track could go instead for this? Anybody else have any better ideas?
Transparancy and abundant information are absolutely imperative for the longterm survival of harness racing.
The result of the Fillion
The result of the Fillion appeal is great for the owner. God knows owners deserve every break they get. The horse moved back up to second place and with that the additional purse money. Lost in this is the betting public who cannot be reimbursed. Their horse was set back and they lost their wager. Now in appeal the horse is moved up to the original placing and their tickets are still void.
In reply to The result of the Fillion by Dan Mailman
Is this process worth going
Is this process worth going to? The whole appeal process looks one sided when viewed. What is the overturn rate 99% judges and 1% Driver.To me there is little to no fairness here.Glad to see Mr Fillion had some waht of a overturn and in saying that if you place the horse back to second then the right thing to do is wave the 3 driving days and fund to be paid.