The appellant, a standardbred driver, appealed a $100 fine for failing to keep his feet in the stirrups during a race, contrary to Rule 22.19 of the Rules of Standardbred Racing.
The Ontario Racing Commission panel reviewed the video evidence, which clearly showed the appellant's foot out of the stirrup and hitting the horse's hock.
The panel dismissed the appeal, finding that the rule's intent is to ensure safety and prevent drivers from using their feet to strike the horse.
As the appellant offered no new evidence after three hearings, the panel deemed the appeal frivolous and ordered him to pay $750 pursuant to subsection 11(8) of the Racing Commission Act.