It would be helpful to we on the sidelines to be privy to the same DVD footage that has been digitally enhanced by the Vic Police and used by the Appeals Board in assessing the case and penalty but alas we are not. I would subscribe that the gentlemen involved are qualified and experienced enough to arrive at a decision that fits the crime. In any sporting arena there is always the danger that appeal decisions will be varied and in this case I believe they have got it right. He CAN continue training. The $5,000 fine increased to $10,000 is also appropriate. Big message to all drivers...you may well have a brain snap and you may well lose your head in the heat of the moment, but the moment you step out of the sulky you can expect to be facing the music BIG TIME. No other driver should be exposed to the risks from drivers who DELIBERATELY intend to cause physical harm to other drivers/horses. FULLSTOP. Hypothetically speaking, where could this whole incident have ended up if Maria Caterina had gone down, broken her neck, put Milne over the running rail and incurring severe injuries through a deliberate act, whether it be in the heat of the moment or not. It would be in the courts for years.
In the context of the race, Milne drove a great race, keeping his biggest danger posted and he did nothing wrong whatsoever and did not deserve to be on the brunt of a foul act.
Its a long way from a C2 at Mildura racing for a $3,400 winners cheque and the Golden Slipper of 1996, but even back then a $50,000 fine wasn't going to stop one G Hall from knocking over the field. I think a $10,000 fine may make Cramp think twice next time.
I see he is now considering further appeals through VCAT, so its not all over yet.
This was handed down from VCAT on 1 August 2013
http://www.harness.org.au/news-artic...?news_id=21303
Thanks Brad. SC would have made the $10k in the last couple of weeks
Edit: Just had a look at that meeting - had horses in 7/8 races for 5 winners, 4 seconds & 4 thirds and yet he was still full of angry pills
Last edited by Bandito; 08-04-2013 at 02:37 PM.
There is no doubting his ability to train a horse.
Mildura tomorrow Craig Rail selects SC to win 6 of the 8 with Nathan Jack his number one driver
Barry you must be kidding
I think he should have got 6 months.
I am sure he would not have shifted up the track if Nigel Milne on Maria Caterina was behind the leader.
Ha ha 6 months surely not me who is kidding
Your bias is too obvious
Show the race to someone who doesn't know the bitter history between all parties nor who trains any of the horses and I can say from experience - I did it twice with this very incident - and they will look at you puzzled like is there a grudge behind the scenes that I don't know about.
6 months jeez mate ha ha seldom a sillier/more vindictive thing said on here surely!