Disqualified for a period of 2 years

Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Stewards conducted an Inquiry on Friday 11 March 2016 into the conduct of Mr John Basham in that he failed to provide proper care to the registered standardbreds JUST TARZAN and SING AND SWING up to an including 18 January 2016 and had commenced to prepare those horses to race up to and including that date, whilst not the holder of an appropriate licence.

An investigation was commenced on 18 January 2016 after HRNSW Stewards received a report that raised concerns with regards to the welfare of the subject horses.

Mr Basham attended the Inquiry and provided evidence. Evidence was also presented to the Inquiry by HRNSW Stewards, Mr Travis Quick and Mr Phil Frost.

After considering the evidence HRNSW Stewards issued the following charges against Mr Basham pursuant to the Australian Harness Racing Rules (AHRR):

AHRR 218.  A person having responsibility for the welfare of a horse shall not fail to care for it properly.

AHRR 203.  A person shall not train a horse on a racecourse or training track unless that person holds a training licence.

Mr Basham was found guilty of the charge pursuant to AHRR 218 and disqualified for a period of 2 years to commence immediately.

In relation to the charge pursuant to AHRR 203, Mr Basham pleaded guilty and was disqualified for a period of one (1) month to be served concurrently.

In considering penalty Stewards were mindful of the following;

• The serious nature of these offences;
• The pleas entered by Mr Basham;
• Mr Basham’s licence history and other personal subjective facts.

Mr Basham was advised of his right of appeal.

Reid Sanders