On 19 November 2021, the Victorian Racing Tribunal (VRT) considered a charge issued by Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) Stewards against licensed trainer-driver Scott Rains under Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) 194(b).
AHRR 194(b) reads as follows:
A person who:
(b) Has in his possession or on his premises or under this control;
any substance or preparation that has not been registered, labelled, prescribed or obtained in compliance with relevant State and Commonwealth legislation is guilty of an offence.
The charge related to a stable inspection at the training establishment of Mr Rains, where HRV Stewards located a bottle of Dr Bells, a product that is not registered in Australia.
Mr Rains pleaded guilty before submissions on penalty were heard on behalf of the HRV Stewards and Mr Rains.
Penalty
The VRT imposed a fine of $500, of which $200 was suspended for 24 months.
VRT Panel: Justice Shane Marshall and Dr June Smith
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)