With respect to the actions taken by Victoria Police at the Melton harness racing meeting on 28 August 2016 involving four harness racing participants, Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) provides the following update:

On 9 September, 2016 HRV Stewards suspended the licences (for no longer than 3 months) of the four participants in accordance with the provisions of Rule 183 of the Australian Harness Racing Rules (AHRR) whilst the police investigations continue.  The HRV Stewards also excluded the participants from attending harness racing tracks in accordance with the provisions of AHRR 15 (d).   

The HRV RAD Board today heard the appeals of all four licensed persons and ordered that the restrictions be lifted, enabling the participants to conduct licensed activities and attend race meetings.  In making this decision, the HRV RAD Board Chairman noted the obligations of the Stewards to consider the integrity of the industry and made no criticism of the decision which had been taken to impose the restrictions in the circumstances, indicating he would have been surprised had such not occurred.  However, the RAD Board Chairman noted the RAD Board’s obligation with respect to the presumption of innocence of the parties and determined on the current information before the RAD Board, there was insufficient material to support the continuation of the suspensions and exclusions

HRV Stewards will monitor the ongoing Victoria Police investigation and if any circumstances change in the future, HRV Stewards will reconsider whether any necessary protective measures need to be taken.

With respect to the further investigation by Victoria Police, HRV is unable to make any further comment at this time.