On 26 April 2023, the Victorian Racing Tribunal (VRT) considered three charges issued by Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) Stewards against licensed persons Rodney Lakey, Kasey Kent and David Moran. Each participant was the subject of one charge under Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) 213(b), which states:
213. A person shall not:
(b) have in his possession any harness, gear, equipment, device, substance or any other thing capable of inflicting suffering on a horse.
The particulars of these charges related to the possession of a modified whip with whipper snipper cord attached to the tip, which was located by HRV Stewards during a stable inspection at the Shepparton Harness Racing Club training complex on 11 May 2022.
Mr Lakey, Ms Kent and Mr Moran pleaded guilty to their respective charges before penalty submissions were made by Andrew Cusumano on behalf of the HRV Stewards and by Rick Jones on behalf of the participants.
Penalty
Rodney Lakey - AHRR 213(b) – $500 fine, with $250 of that amount suspended for a period of 12 months.
Kasey Kent - AHRR 213(b) – $500 fine, wholly suspended for a period of 12 months.
David Moran - AHRR 213(b) – $1000 fine, with $500 of that amount suspended for a period of 12 months.
VRT Panel: Judge John Bowman (Chairperson) & Dr Andrew Gould.
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)