The applicant, a licensed racehorse trainer, sought judicial review of a decision by the Horse Racing Appeal Panel.
A horse trained by the applicant tested positive for a banned substance, resulting in an absolute liability offence.
The Panel found the applicant was not at fault and reduced his suspension from 15 days to seven days, but concluded it had no authority to waive the rule entirely.
The Divisional Court dismissed the application, finding the Panel's decision reasonable as the offence is one of absolute liability and due diligence is only relevant to penalty, not liability.
