IN THE MATTER OF THE RACING COMMISSION ACT 2000, S.O. 2000, c.20;
AND IN THE MATTER OF THOROUGHBRED TRAINER WILLIAM PHILIP GRACEY
William Philip Gracey appealed Stewards' Ruling Number 395/04 wherein he was fined the sum of $5,000.00 for violation of Rules 11.01 and 15.09.2 of the Rules of Thoroughbred Racing for refusing to bring the horse SAUVAGE to the paddock at the appointed time and made available to compete in the second race on October 30, 2004, at Woodbine Racetrack.
The Panel consisting of Vice-Chair Todd and Commissioners Gorman and Walker convened on April 28, 2005. Brendan Van Niejenhuis represented the Administration and Nick Coukos represented the Appellant.
On hearing the evidence of Steward Richard Grubb, Chris Evans and William Philip Gracey and on hearing the submissions of the parties, the Panel dismissed the appeal on the issue of liability and found that William Philip Gracey had violated the Rules of Thoroughbred Racing as found by the Stewards. The Panel allowed, in part, the appeal on the issue of penalty, and substituted a fine in the amount of $2,000.00 as the penalty for the violations.
The Commission gave oral reasons for its decision which are part of the transcript of the Hearing.
Dated this 2nd day of May, 2005.
BY ORDER OF THE COMMISSION
John L. Blakney
Executive Director