Trainer outed for obtaining money by deception

On Friday 29 May 2015 Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) concluded an inquiry that commenced on 17 April 2015 in relation to licensed trainer, Mr Roy Roots (Snr) obtaining payments from the owner of the standardbred Jeremes Mate for veterinary procedures that never occurred.

Evidence was initially taken from Mr Roots (Snr) and the owner of Jeremes Mate at the commencement of the inquiry and further evidence was obtained on Friday 29 May 2015.

During the course of the Inquiry, Mr Roots (Snr) made admissions regarding the acceptance of funds around September/October 2013 on the pretence that the horse Jeremes Mate required veterinary procedures that did not occur.

Mr. Roots (Snr) pleaded not guilty to a charge under Rule 241 in that he around September/October 2013 and in August 2014, in connection with the harness racing industry, did act in a fraudulent manner by obtaining payments totalling $5,800 by deception.

Mr Roots (Snr) was found guilty and disqualified for a period of 15 months to commence from midnight on Friday 29 May 2015.

In determining penalty, Stewards took all circumstances of this matter into consideration and were mindful of Mr Roots’ (Snr) licence history, personal subjective facts including personal and financial hardships, the impact on those employed by Mr Roots (Snr) and the serious nature of the offence.

Reid Sanders – Harness Racing New South Wales