On July 4, 2012, the Judges issued Official Ruling SB 44931 wherein Aaron Byron (“BYRON”) was given a ten-day driving suspension for bearing in and causing an accident while driving the horse “Kaos Agent” during the running of the first race at Flamboro Downs on July 1, 2012.
“Kaos Agent” finished in fourth position and was disqualified for causing an accident. On July 12, 2012 BYRON filled a Notice of Appeal, pursuant to Rule 24.01 (b) of the Rules of Standardbred Racing.
On August 28, 2012, a Panel of the Ontario Racing Commission (“ORC”), comprised of Chair Rod Seiling, convened for the purpose of hearing this matter. Brian Newton appeared on behalf of the Administration for the ORC. BYRON attended the hearing in person and was represented by Mike Sinclair.
Upon reviewing the evidence, and hearing the testimony of Senior Judge Chuck Fraleigh and driver J. Brandon Campbell and reviewing the exhibits filed, BYRON requested an adjournment to obtain further exhibits.
The Panel granted a continuance of the hearing to be rescheduled for September 13, 2012. On September 13, 2012, a hearing, consisting of the same Panel, convened to hear the remainder of this matter.
Upon reviewing the evidence, and hearing the testimony of drivers Rick Baker and Aaron Byron and reviewing the exhibits filed and considering the closing submission, the Panel varied the penalty to a seven-day driving suspension. BYRON will now serve his seven-day suspension September 22 through September 28, 2012, inclusive.
The full ruling from the ORC is available here in PDF format.