From the VRT
https://djsir.vic.gov.au/victorian-r...ns-and-reasons
HARNESS RACING VICTORIA
and
ZAC PHILLIPS
and
TAYLA NICHOLSON
and
ROB O’CONNELL
Mr Zac Phillips has been charged with four offences pursuant to Rule 254(1). This Rule could be summarised as prohibiting the use of what is known as a blood spinning machine (“the machine”). Each of the offences relates to the use of the machine on a different horse or horses.
Ms Tayla Nicholson has been charged with one offence resulting from the giving of permission to Mr Phillips to use the machine on two horses training by her. They were Muscletonian and Dreamer’s Delight, with the offence occurring between October 2020 and December 2020. The Charge is pursuant to Rule 239A.
Mr Rob O’Connell faces one charge similar to that against Ms Nicholson and pursuant to Rule 239A. Mr O’Connell is also a licensed trainer and the horses involved were Magicool and Bigjimvalentine. The use of the machine is alleged to have occurred between August 2020 and November 2020.
Mr Phillips faces an additional Charge of breaching AHRR 187(2) – the giving of false or misleading evidence or information
There is no argument but that none of the three was aware of the introduction of Rule 254A(1). Each did not know that blood spinning had become a prohibited practice
And we all believe in Fairytales !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Finally, there is the breach by Mr Phillips of Rule 187(2). When interviewed on 30 March 2021, he told the Stewards that he had borrowed the blood spinning machine from Mr Joe Pace, a licensed industry participant. It was not until 7 September 2021 that Mr Phillips informed the Stewards that it was in fact his own machine.
As we have said in many cases of this type, the Stewards have enough to do without wasting valuable time pursuing lines of enquiry based on falsehoods
WTF stewards didn't think it was worth pursuing where the machine came from - we are doomed