John Scott.
LEADING Albury harness trainer John Scott has had his 3½-year positive swab disqualification reduced on appeal.
After hearing submissions last Thursday from both parties about the penalty imposed on Scott, the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal ordered the disqualification period be reduced to two years.
Scott has been disqualified since July 27 after being found guilty of treating his pacer, Not Home Enough, with the substance that caused a swab irregularity at Geelong on April 22.
Albury reinsman Charlie Martin, who was in charge of the horse at the meeting, was also disqualified – for six months.
Scott was found guilty of the rule breach as a result of ARHR 190 (3) which states:
“If a person is left in charge of a horse and the horse is presented for a race otherwise than in accordance with sub rule (1), the trainer of the horse and the person left in charge is each guilty of an offence.”
Martin has since appealed against his disqualification and had his disqualification reduced to a $3000 fine.
Scott’s disqualification period will expire on July 27 next year.