Police seize electronics as part of investigation

PHONES, tablets and other electronic devices have been seized by Police as part of an investigation into last Saturday night’s drama at Globe Derby.

Following a “comedy of errors” a pacer was able to compete in the wrong race.

In the absence of trainer Shane Loone due to health reasons, the horseman’s staff were late in getting his three entrants ready for the fifth event.

As such, one of the trio was left in his stall while a fourth stablemate, which was due to race later on the card, took his position in the field.

Competing as Jakes Sportswriter, Lets Get Shorty experienced a torrid run in the ‘death seat’ against more seasoned rivals before finishing a distant last.

A seven-year-old, Jakes Sportswriter has 24 wins and 45 placings from 173 starts, while four-year-old Lets Get Shorty has registered five wins and 25 placings from 62 outings.

It was only when Lets Get Shorty was presented an hour later for his race the error was uncovered.

According to the stewards’ report, the fact Loone’s runners were late into the parade ring caused the confusion.

“The starter explained that pre-race the trainer’s horses were routinely identified, being 6 – Jakes Sportwriter, 7 – Star Writer and 8 – Crookwell Jake, and that the horses were late into the parade area as she understood the attendants had incorrectly assessed the race order.”

Acknowledging the confusion among his staff, Loone stated the error was also contributed by the fact his runners were identified earlier in the stalls and not in the parade ring.

Jakes Sportwriter was ‘disqualified’ from the race, with Lets Get Shorty scratched from his pending race.

Stewards opened and adjourned an inquiry relating the wrong pacer competing and as to whether Lets Get Shorty was presented for his actual race in “an attempt by any persons to conceal that horse’s earlier participation in Race 5.”

Harness Racing SA called Police into the investigation “in an endeavour to clarify from a public perspective as to whether there was any cheating under the Criminal Law Consolidation Act SA, particular as to whether there are any issues with sections 144H 144I 144J.”

A Police response is believed to provide a more satisfactory answer for those who suspect any untoward actions as oppose to an internal investigation by HRSA which could reach the identical findings!