James Harding Fined $300 For Racing Greyhounds Without A Trainer’s Licence
Racing Queensland (RQ) Stewards today inquired into the reasons why Mr. James Harding nominated and subsequently raced the registered greyhound Nanna Duk at the Ipswich Greyhound Club on five (5) occasions during June 2014 when he was not the holder of a trainer's licence.
After taking evidence from Mr. Harding, and obtaining documentation from Stipendiary Steward Mr. Cameron Ferguson and licensing officer Ms. Sarah Moffatt, Stewards charged Mr. Harding pursuant to Greyhounds Australasia Rule of Racing 86(l) which reads:
A person (including an official) shall be guilty of an offence if the person, being a person who is not registered with a Controlling Body or an approved Registration Controlling Body as an owner or trainer, acts or holds himself out as the owner or trainer of a greyhound entitled or intended to compete in an Event.
The specifics of the charge being, that Mr. Harding was not registered with Racing Queensland or any other Racing Control Body as the trainer of Nanna Duk when that greyhound raced at the Ipswich Greyhound Club on the following dates:
· 3 June 2014 in Race 3 – The Dinky Di Web Design Maiden Heat 431m,
· 10 June 2014 in Race 3 – The Dinky Di Web Design Mixed Final 431m,
· 17 June 2014 in Race 4 – The Raincat Transport Novice 431m,
· 20 June 2014 in Race 4 – The Big Dog Racing Supplements Novice 431m; and
· 24 June 2014 in Race 4 – The Raincat Transport Novice 431m.
Mr. Harding subsequently pleaded guilty to the charge.
When considering an appropriate penalty, Stewards were mindful of Mr. Harding's forthright evidence throughout the inquiry, and also took into account mitigating circumstances. Mr. Harding was fined $300.
Under the provisions of Greyhounds Australasia Rule 64(1) Nanna Duk was disqualified from each event specified above, and the placing's amended accordingly.
Racing Queensland has now implemented new procedures within the OZChase database system to prevent this occurrence from happening again.
Mr. Harding was advised of his appeal rights.
And how much was the grader fined for placing an unlicensed trainer’s dogs in events?
Correct wendy they should have got the same fine as james but its one rule for them and one for us . The nomination should not have been taken in the first place . If that had happened no rules would have been broken . The buck stops at the top they should take blame for their mistakes
And how much was the grader fined for placing an unlicensed trainer’s dogs in events?
Correct wendy they should have got the same fine as james but its one rule for them and one for us . The nomination should not have been taken in the first place . If that had happened no rules would have been broken . The buck stops at the top they should take blame for their mistakes