Disqualification, suspension and fines from altercation

YESTERDAY the Victorian Racing Tribunal considered charges issued by the Harness Racing Victoria stewards against licensed drivers Ken Rogers, Kaela Hryhorec and Michelle Phillips.

These charges originated from the conduct of the above licensed persons at the Mildura race meeting on 6 February 2020.

Charges

Ken Rogers

Licensed driver Rogers pleaded guilty to a charge under AHRR 231(1)(a) which states:

231.  (1)  A person shall not

      (a)  threaten

anyone employed, engaged or participating in the harness racing industry or otherwise having a connection with it. 

The charge related to a threatening comment made by Rogers toward another licensed person at the Mildura race meeting on February 6, 2020.

Kaela Hryhorec

Licensed driver Hryhorec pleaded to guilty to two (2) charges.

Charge one (1) was issued under the provisions of AHRR 231(2) which states:

231.  (2)  A person shall not misconduct himself in any way.

Charge two (2) was issued under the provisions of AHRR 231(1)(e) which states:

231.  (1)  A person shall not

      (e)  assault

anyone employed, engaged or participating in the harness racing industry or otherwise having a connection with it. 

The charges related to Hryhorec engaging in a verbal altercation, and assaulting another licensed person, at the Mildura race meeting on February 6, 2020.

Michelle Phillips

Licensed driver Phillips pleaded guilty to two (2) charges.

Charge one (1) was issued under the provisions of AHRR 231(2) which states:

231.  (2)  A person shall not misconduct himself in any way.

Charge two (2) was issued under the provisions of AHRR 231(1)(e) which states:

231.  (1)  A person shall not

      (e)  assault

anyone employed, engaged or participating in the harness racing industry or otherwise having a connection with it. 

The charges related to Phillips engaging in a verbal altercation and assaulting another licensed person when retaliating to an initial assault, at the Mildura race meeting on February 6, 2020.

Penalties

Ken Rogers

AHRR 231(1)(a) – 4 month suspension.

The Tribunal ordered this suspension be served cumulatively to a suspension Rogers is currently serving with the suspension to expire on January 27, 2021. The Tribunal further imposed a previously suspended fine of $250.

Kaela Hryhorec

Charge 1 – $1,000 fine with $500 suspended for a period of 2 years.

Charge 2 – 4 month disqualification commencing immediately.

Michelle Phillips

Charge 1 – $1,000 fine with $500 suspended for a period of 2 years.

Charge 2 – $2,500 fine with $500 suspended for a period of 2 years.

• HRV Media