Always back the horse named self-interest, son. It'll be the only one trying
We are back and the Panel is about to hand down its decision. Judge O’Brien delivers the verdict. First he steps us through the history of Todd Austin’s disqualification. We learn that Austin’s penalty was reduced from a 5-year DQ until a 3-year DQ after discussions between the parties, which appears a most unusual agreement […]
Jim Murdoch KC is not a quitter, even when handicapped by a cold, which the Magic Man sounds like he might be at the moment. He regroups, changes track, and tries again. Murdoch can’t remember the Price matter. That is because he didn’t write Price’s submissions, we did. It was a shy at the stumps, […]
It is Scott McLeod for the QRIC’s turn, and off he goes. McLeod focuses his attack on the Panel not having jurisdiction to hear the matter. The Judge interjects and draws attention to the Panel’s decision in the matter of Price. We are very familiar with that case. Price was one of the owners of […]
Murdoch KC shocks and astounds the world by comparing the QRIC to a totalitarian regime, one in which you have to confess or be jailed forever. What he is referring to is his claim that in the Stewards interview with Austin they hammered him trying to get him to reverse his long held denials of […]
Murdoch KC continues with his attempts to weave Austin’s appeal into the jurisdiction of the Racing Appeals Panel, arguing that the decision to refuse his license application flows directly from the Birdsville matters, and is therefore a racing decision. “The Birdsville Incident” the Judge wryly calls it. Aye aye Skipper, that’s the one. Murdoch for […]
Murdoch is seeming to be suggesting without saying that the decision on Austin’s license was pre-determined, and that his client was never given a fair go. He is zeroing in on the rejection letter sent to Todd Austin, and is grilling Elliott about her not putting her name to the letter. She says it is […]
Jim Murdoch KC appears for Todd Austin. He is instructed by solicitors Cardew Salmon. Barrister Scott McLeod appears for the QRIC. The big guns are out. Murdoch KC and 2 solicitors instructing him appear in person, however Austin appears via video conference from Western QLD where he lives. Austin is wearing his butchers uniform, so […]
We continue to receive information that unlicensed trainer Todd Austin is preparing at least 7 horses at the Barcaldine track, and that he is doing it out of a car so he is not visible and can drive off undetected if by chance the Stewards unexpectedly arrive during trackwork hours. Those that know say that […]
It is important to remember that proceedings such as these are not penal in nature. Unlike penalties in criminal cases where concepts such as retribution, denunciation and rehabilitation are of importance, civil penalties such as these are imposed primarily, if not solely, for the purposes of deterrence – Racing Appeals Panel* The Stewards inquiry into […]
Harness Racing Restricted Zones Off-Limits to Underage Person Recent observations at harness racing meetings have raised serious concerns regarding underage and unlicensed persons being present in restricted areas such as tie-up stalls. Restricted areas are off-limits for valid reasons. In simple terms, it is unsafe for individuals without the proper experience and licensing to be […]
