On 5 June 2024, the Victorian Racing Tribunal (VRT) determined an appeal filed by licensed trainer Emma Stewart against the Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) Stewards' decision to disqualify her for six-months for two breaches of Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) 196B(1) and to fine her $2000 for a breach of AHRR 190B(1).
Background
The matter related to a stable inspection conducted by HRV Stewards at the registered training establishment of Ms Stewart on Saturday 16 September 2023. The charges relate to an intravenous drip being administered and attempted to be administered to horses within one (1) clear day of the relevant race meeting, in contravention of the provisions of AHRR 196B(1). Ms Stewart was also charged under AHRR 190B(1) for failing to thoroughly maintain a log book.
The details of the HRV Stewards Inquiry can be found here.
Previous decisions handed down by the VRT in relation to this matter can be found here and here.
VRT Hearing
Ms Stewart pleaded guilty to all charges and was appealing against the severity of the penalties imposed by the HRV Stewards on 5 December 2023.
Penalty submissions were made by Mr Adrian Anderson on behalf of the HRV Stewards, and by Mr Damian Sheales on behalf of Ms Stewart.
The particulars of the charges were as follows:
Charge 1 – AHRR 196B(1) - That as the licensed trainer of SHOW ME HEAVEN engaged in Race 3 at the Maryborough Harness Racing meeting on Sunday 17 September 2023, that on Saturday 16 September 2023, within one (1) clear day of the commencement of that race, Ms Stewart attempted to administer an injection to that horse, by way of an intravenous drip.
Charge 2 – AHRR 196B(1) - That as the licensed trainer of ACT NOW engaged in Race 7 at the Maryborough Harness Racing meeting on Sunday 17 September 2023, that on Saturday 16 September 2023, within one (1) clear day of the commencement of that race, Ms Stewart administered an injection to that horse, by way of an intravenous drip.
Charge 3 – AHRR 190B(1) - That as a licensed trainer between the calendar year of 2022 and 21 September 2023, Ms Stewart failed to thoroughly maintain a logbook, listing and recording all details of treatments administered to horses in her care.
The VRT determined to uphold the appeals in relation to Charges 1 and 2 and varied the penalties to $5,000 fines on each charge ($10,000 in total). The VRT dismissed the appeal in relation to Charge 3.
VRT Panel: Judge John Bowman (Chairperson), Dr Andrew Gould and Dr June Smith.
The written decisions of the VRT can be found here.
(Please note that VRT’s written decision will generally be published within 7-10 days of the date of hearing)