Driver out for 12 months

Press, 28 March 1980, Page 19

Driver out for 12 months

NZPA Sydney New South Wales trotting authority stewards yesterday disqualified the trainer-driv-er Richard Hancock, for 12 months over the performance of Inter-Dominion grand finalist, Lehigh Lad, at Harold Park last Friday night. Hancock and the horse’s trainer, Fran Donohue, were charged under a rule which deals with horses not being permitted to race on their merits, and one which covers horses being given every opportunity to finish in the best position in a race. Mrs Donohue was found not guilty of the charges and no action was taken against the horse or his owner. Hancock has retained the drive on Lehigh Lad in the Inter-Dominion Final tonight despite the disqualification. The stewards began their inquiry into Hancock’s driving tactics and the performance of Lehigh Lad, which finished eighth to Koala King lin the final qualifying division of the Inter-Dominion Championships. Lehigh Lad had won his preceding six races but missed the start last Friday night and was always near the tail of the field.

Hancock pleaded not guilty to the charges and said outside the stewards’ room that he had been penalised for one simple mistake. The 12-month disqualification is to be served concurrently with a six-month suspension.