Taku Umanga

I see your point - under the new race-fixing legislation perhaps they should be ..... but it appears almost all positives are dealt with using the "presenting" charge where "intent" is not one of the ingredients of the offence. I think someone would need to be charged with "administering" to be covered by the criminal legislation too.

Personally I'd rather the Police and Courts deal with criminals than the RIU and JCA.

..... and why not? Race fixing and supplying drugs are criminal offences.

I think natural justice comprises two rules, the rule against bias and the right to a fair hearing. Can't see why these wouldn't apply to the RIU and HRNZ, but also haven't seen where either has breached the rules - the earlier naming of the accused was done by the media if memory serves correct. I can't see how the exclusion from racecourses could be considered a breach of natural justice as the law allows it for the purposes mentioned in my previous post.

They haven't had their licences revoked (yet) which HRNZ is entitled to do - each licence-holder agrees to this when they sign their licence application every year. The RIU has excluded the accused from attending racecourses (nothing to do with HRNZ) under section 34 of the Racing Act 2003 where they are doing so for "the purpose of maintaining public confidence in the conduct of horse racing and the integrity of racing betting". That being the case, why in the world should the RIU allow the accused back on a racecourse until this mess is sorted out. Public perception and the integrity of the industry should prevail over anything else. Those bleating about innocence until proven guilty need to consider the bigger picture here.

Perhaps because a precedent had already been set and if they hadn't they would be dealing with an appeal? Reasons for Penalty [10] The Committee took into consideration that a fine of $150 had been imposed for a recent breach of this Rule where the facts of the case were very similar. [11] Mr Roberts had admitted the breach and had a clear record in regard to this rule. [12] After taking all factors into consideration, including the previous penalty in very similar circumstances, the Committee determined that a fine of $150 was an appropriate penalty in this case.

Yep - that tactic is often used by defendant's in court - attack the process used and those bringing the prosecution ..... but in this instance it is the Police prosecuting - not the RIU!

Haha you know what I meant

Perhaps it's because we others in the industry are getting questioned on a daily basis since the race-fixing allegations surface. I get sick of the sycophants bleating about feeling sorry for the families of the accused ..... what about the families of innocent industry participants getting tarred with the same brush as the alleged cheats?

Geez - precious much? Where did I say he was guilty .... just posted a link to a bloody article!

I think you're right .... but funny how it's against the rules all over the world (so I''m told) but not in NZ?

https://www.star.kiwi/2018/09/media-personality-caught-up-in-horse-racing-investigation/

Only if what was published is proved to be untrue.

From memory (from the now amended Stuff reports) she has been charged with supplying a class B drug - much worse than mere possession .....

I think you have to take the $$ figures mentioned "with a grain of salt". On one charge the $1400 may be an exact figure, but the "over $1000" may be just a threshold for the exact charge laid ..... that is, a lesser penalty may be for a charge "under $1000" and greater penalty for a charge "over $1000" .....

From Garrick's Twitter feed .... "Well, things have changed markedly this morning. More people, more charges, more races. Full updates once the court session has finished."

This might be why ..... For those wanting updates on the court appearances on the harness racing identities this morning, it is still ongoing in Christchurch. The judge has just reprimanded national media for 'live updating' from the court. There are as many as 10 people appearing or being represented today, including some not previously publicised as being arrested and charged, if court documents are to be believed as factual. We have a reporter on site but will wait until the full process is completed and the judge has issued directives relating to the suppression (or not) of names or details before lodging a story.

From the earlier posts each charge is a little different ..... "assisting", "conspiring to manipulate" and "manipulating" ...... I am guessing that any of these could make up the ingredients to substantiate "fixing" - doubt if you'd actually have to participating as a trainer or driver ..... that Wall fella definitely wasn't.

"Deception" is the word they use in match (race) fixing charges ...

Heard that was coming ......

It's all those dodgy sites you fellas visit!

Agreed

Natalie's old enough to know better ..... as is the unnamed (yeah right) 49 year old .....

Yes - according to Trackside

It should be but I doubt that HRNZ has the "balls" to do it ...... Maybe the RIU will ban them from racecourses, which I'm led to believe they are able to do.