HRV Stewards Inquiries

Ben Xiriha

On 29 July 2025, HRV Stewards concluded their inquiry into comments made by licensed participant Ben Xiriha on the social media platform Facebook.

Mr Xiriha pleaded guilty to a charge under Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) 248, which states:

“A person shall not say, publish or write or cause to be said, published or written anything malicious, intimidatory, obscene, offensive, defamatory, racist, threatening, harassing, discriminatory, abusive or otherwise improper about HRA, the Controlling Body, their members and employees or the Stewards or anyone else associated with the Harness Racing Industry.”

The charge related to a Facebook post made by Mr Xiriha on Wednesday, 4 June 2025, in which he published improper comments regarding a Harness Racing Victoria Steward.

In considering penalty, Stewards took into account:

  • Mr Xiriha’s guilty plea
  • His offence history and licence record
  • Personal and subjective factors
  • Mr Xiriha’s remorse and cooperation throughout the investigation and inquiry
  • The highly offensive nature of the comments, which were considered a direct attack on a Steward
  • The need for both general and specific deterrence

As a result, Mr Xiriha was issued a fine of $3,000.

In accordance with AHRR 256(5)(a), $1,500 of the fine was suspended for a period of two years, on the condition that Mr Xiriha maintains good behaviour and does not commit any further breaches of this rule or related conduct rules during this time.

Mr Xiriha was advised of his right to appeal the decision.

 

Chris Lang (Snr) & Sonia Mahar

On 12 August 2025, prior to Trial 4 at the Melton trial meeting, HRV Stewards ordered the withdrawal of WATTS UP THE HILL after it was discovered that WATTS UP PARTYTIME had been presented to trial in error.

At a subsequent inquiry, it was established that both horses had entered the stable of trainers C. W. Lang and S. L. Mahar, and had been incorrectly identified. It was further determined that at the Melton trials held on 5 August 2025 (Trial 3), WATTS UP PARTYTIME had also been presented in error and competed under the understanding that it was WATTS UP THE HILL.

The training partnership of Mr Lang and Ms Mahar pleaded guilty to a charge under Rule 45(5), which states:

A person shall ensure that the correct horse is presented to start in a race.

Particulars of the charge:
On 5 August 2025 and 12 August 2025, the partnership of Mr Lang and Ms Mahar incorrectly presented WATTS UP PARTYTIME to trial at Melton instead of the nominated horse WATTS UP THE HILL.


In determining penalty, Stewards took into account:

  • The guilty plea.
  • The excellent overall training record of both trainers, individually and as a partnership, over an extensive period in the industry.
  • Their obvious remorse and honesty.
  • The circumstances that led to the incorrect horse being presented.

Accordingly, the partnership of Mr Lang and Ms Mahar was fined $1,000, with $500 wholly suspended for a period of two (2) years on the condition that there are no further breaches of this rule during that time. Stewards also ordered that, in accordance with AHRR 65, WATTS UP THE HILL be disqualified from Trial 3 at Melton on 5 August 2025.

Stewards will undertake a review of the processes that led to the failure to identify the error at the trial meeting on 5 August 2025.