On 17 February 2022, the Victorian Racing Tribunal (VRT) handed down its penalty decision relating to four charges issued by Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) Stewards against licensed trainer-driver David Moran under the Australian Harness Racing Rules (AHRR). The matter was heard by the VRT on 7 February 2022.
Charge 1 was laid under AHRR 231(1)(f), which reads as follows:
231(1) A person shall not:-
(f) otherwise interfere improperly with
anyone employed, engaged or participating in the harness racing industry or otherwise having a connection with it.
This charge related to Mr Moran attending the Shepparton Harness Racing Club training complex on 14 November 2019, approaching licensed trainer-driver Laura Crossland, who was seated in a sulky driving a horse, whilst leading two other horses. Mr Moran took hold of the sulky and raised it, causing Ms Crossland to fall from the sulky onto the ground and lose control of the horses.
Charge 2 was laid under 231(2), which reads as follows:
231(2) A person shall not misconduct himself in any way.
This charge related to Mr Moran attending the Shepparton harness racing trial meeting on 14 November 2019, whilst intoxicated. Prior to trial 1, Mr Moran approached licensed trainer-driver Damian Wilson in the parade ring, whilst Mr Wilson was seated in a sulky driving a horse. Mr Moran yelled at Mr Wilson, took hold of him and also struck him on the helmet.
Charge 3 was laid under AHRR 209, which reads as follows:
209 A person employed, engaged or participating in the harness racing industry shall not knowingly or recklessly furnish false information to the Controlling Body, the Stewards or anyone else.
This charge related to information that Mr Moran provided to the HRV Integrity Hotline on 12 December 2019. Mr Moran stated that he had witnessed Mr Wilson stomach tubing a horse prior to the Echuca harness racing meeting that evening. This was information Mr Moran knew to be false.
Charge 4 was laid under AHRR 173(1), which reads as follows:
173(1) A driver shall not bet in a race in which the driver participates
This charge relates to Mr Moran placing a win bet on ‘Ellmers Hoofing It NZ’ prior to race 7 at the Echuca harness racing meeting on 12 December 2019, when Mr Moran participated in the race as the driver of another runner, ‘Scotlynn Beach NZ.’
Mr Moran pleaded guilty to all of the charges before penalty submissions were made on behalf of the HRV Stewards and by Damien Sheales on behalf of Mr Moran.
Penalty
Charge 1 – 6 months suspension, 2 months of which is suspended for a period of 24 months.
Charge 2 - $1750 fine
Charge 3 - $1250 fine
Charge 4 – 6 months suspension, 3 months of which is suspended for a period of 24 months.
The penalties are to commence immediately.
VRT Panel: Judge John Bowman (Chairman), John Doherty and Robert Abrahams
The written decisions of the VRT can be found here.
(Please note that VRT Decisions will generally be published within 7-10 days of the date of hearing)