28 July 2015
Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Stewards concluded an Inquiry today into the betting activities of licensed Trainer and Driver Mr David Moran, including a bet placed in Race 4 at the Leeton Harness Meeting on 30 January 2015, a race in which Mr Moran was engaged as a driver.
Mr Moran again appeared at the inquiry. Evidence including telephone records was entered into evidence. Further evidence was also taken from Ms Laura Crossland (via telephone.
Mr Moran was issued with two (2) charges pursuant to Rule 173 (1) & (3) which states:
173. (1) A driver shall not bet in a race in which the driver participates.
(3) A driver who fails to comply with any provision of this rule is guilty of an offence.
The particulars of the charges issued against Mr Moran are as follows:
1. On 15 January 2015, Mr Moran placed a bet via the Wagering Operator Tabcorp, on BENOAH which competed in Race 6 at the Wagga Harness Meeting on that day. Mr Moran drove that horse and the bet to win was $50.
2. On 30 January 2015, Mr Moran placed a bet via the Wagering Operator Tabcorp, on SMO, a horse trained and driven by his partner Ms Laura Crossland, which competed in Race 4 at the Leeton Harness Meeting on that day. The bet to win was $50 and Mr Moran drove MAJOR JULES in that race.
Mr Moran pleaded guilty to the charge relating to 30 January 2015 and the charge relating to the 15 January 2015 was found proven by the Stewards.
In respect of the charge relating to 15 January 2015, Mr Moran was fined the amount of $500.
In respect of the charge relating to 30 January 2015, Mr Moran was disqualified for a period of 3 months to commence from midnight 28 July 2015.
In determining penalty, Stewards took all circumstances of this matter into consideration and were mindful of Mr Moran’s licence history, personal subjective facts including personal and financial hardships and Mr Moran’s guilty plea in respect of the matter relating to 30 January 2015,
Harness Racing NSW (HRNSW) is the controlling body for harness racing in New South Wales with responsibility for commercial and regulatory management of the industry including 31 racing clubs across the State. HRNSW is headed by an industry-appointed Board of Directors and is independent of Government.
To arrange an interview or for further information please contact:
Name: Reid Sanders
Position: Chief Operations Officer
Phone: (02) 9722 6600
Email: rsanders@hrnsw.com.au