Driver faces multiple charges after betting in races

On 18 August 2022, the Victorian Racing Tribunal (VRT) considered 25 charges issued by Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) Stewards against licensed driver Kyal Costello under Australian Harness Racing Rules (AHRR) 173(1) and 238.

AHRR 173(1) reads as follows:

A driver shall not bet in a race in which the driver participates

It was alleged that between 27 August 2020 and 28 December 2020, Mr Costello used his wagering account to place 24 bets on races that he participated in as a driver.

Of the 24 bets placed on races that Mr Costello participated in as a driver, 15 related to bets that included horses other than those that Mr Costello was driving, and 9 related to bets that included only the horses that Mr Costello drove.

It was further alleged that Mr Costello breached AHRR 238 which states:

A person shall not fail to comply with any order, direction or requirement of the Controlling Body or the Stewards relating to harness racing or to the harness racing industry

This charge relates to Mr Costello’s failure to declare his wagering account to HRV, when required to do so.

Mr Costello pleaded guilty to all of the charges before penalty submissions were made on behalf of the HRV Stewards and by Mr Costello.

Penalty

Charges 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 15, 16, 20, 21, 23 and 24 – AHRR 173(1) – For each offence, a 24-month suspension.

Charges 1, 4, 11, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19 and 22 – AHRR 173(1) – 6-month suspension.

Charge 25 – AHRR 238 – $500 fine

All suspensions to be served concurrently.

VRT Panel: Judge John Bowman (chair) & Ms Heidi Keighran.

The written decisions of the VRT can be found here.

(Please note that VRT Decisions will generally be published within 7-10 days of the date of hearing)

From Harness Racing Victoria