In January 2016, Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) Stewards were aware of an incident that occurred at an agistment property in Avoca, whereby the Standardbred horse ‘Loveyougoodboy’ was required to be humanely euthanised.

In January 2017, following an investigation by the RSPCA, which culminated in the RSPCA issuing criminal charges against licensed person Mr Chris Angove, HRV Stewards enabled Mr Angove the opportunity to provide submissions as to why the provisions of Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) 183 should not be invoked.

After considering such submissions, on 31 January 2017, HRV Stewards suspended Mr Angove’s trainer and driver licences in accordance with the provisions of AHRR 183.

At the Maryborough Magistrates Court on 16 March 2017, Mr Angove was issued a fine of $1000 without conviction in relation to the applicable charges, as a result of breaching the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986, specifically Section 9(1)(c) and Section 10(1).

On 3 April 2017, Mr Angove appeared before the HRV Stewards in relation to the proceedings before the Maryborough Magistrates Court. After considering all relevant information and being provided with submissions in relation to this case, HRV Stewards considered invoking AHRR 267(1) which states:

Subject to sub-rule (2) the Stewards may for such period and on such conditions as they think fit, disqualify a person who is found guilty of a crime or an offence in any State or Territory of Australia or in any country,

After careful consideration, HRV Stewards invoked AHRR 267(1) and imposed a twelve (12) month term of disqualification upon Mr Angove, which was backdated to commence at midnight 31 January 2017.

When assessing penalty in this instance, HRV Stewards acknowledged the following factors:

• The serious nature of this matter and the absolute need to uphold high standards in relation to horse welfare in line with community and industry expectations;

• The responsibility upon all persons involved in the harness racing industry to demonstrate adequate and appropriate care for horses;

• Prior penalties that have been issued under similar circumstances;

• That in comparison to other horse welfare related cases, this occurence was an isolated, although preventable incident;

• Mr Angove’s admittance to this incident, long-standing and exemplary record over a period of some 43 years and;

• The impact of a period of disqualification upon Mr Angove and his immediate family.

  Harness Racing Victoria