Demmler appeal dismissed

Craig Demmler’s appeal against Harness Racing Victoria stewards’ decision to suspend his trainer and driver’s licences has been dismissed by the Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board.

The decision was made by HRV stewards under the provisions of Australian Rule of Harness Racing 183. 

The suspension was imposed pending the outcome of an investigation into an analytical report that one of Demmler’s horses had returned an elevated raceday cobalt level that was in excess of the relevant threshold permitted by the rules.

At the hearing, the HRV RAD Board heard submissions on behalf of HRV Stewards and Demmler.  The HRV RAD Board also heard from Dr Richard Cust regarding the nature of the substance cobalt.

The HRV RAD Board noted they were required to decide whether the decision of the HRV stewards was justified in all of the circumstances, and after considering all of the matters before it, ordered the stewards’ actions were justified.

The HRV RAD Board accordingly dismissed Demmler’s appeal and the restrictions imposed upon Demmler remain in place.

• HRV Media