Stormont fined $350

Press, 30 October 1984, Page 29

Stormont fined $350

PA Auckland The Pukekohe horseman, Michael Joseph Stormont, has been fined a total of $350 and ordered to pay $l5O costs on two charges concerning the registration of joint interests. Stormont was charged with entering and starting the horse, Stylish Bui, in a penaltybearing race when he knew the horse was not qualified to do so because of an unregistered joint interest. He was further charged with failing to notify the New Zealand Trotting Conference of the change of ownership of Stylish Bui within 14 days following the horse’s purchase. Stormont pleaded guilty to both charges at a hearing before a sub-committee of the New Zealand Trotting Conference at Alexandra Park. The sub-committee found that Stylish Bui was bought by Stormont and Mr W.R. Fleet on April 27 and the horse arrived at Stormont’s training establishment at the beginning of May. He received the transfer forms signed by the previous owners, but failed to have them signed by himself and Mr Fleet within 14 days. Stormont, it was stated, entered the horse in a penaltybearing race at the Auckland District Trials Association’s meeting on June 6. He expected Mr Fleet to be there to sign the papers but he did not arrive. The horse started and won, collecting a stake of $l2OO. Stormont also entered the horse in a Cl event on June 16, but before it raced the papers were signed and lodged. The sub-committee said it took into account that Stormont was co-operative and accepted full responsibility, absolving Mr Fleet, and that he was understaffed and under a lot of pressure at the time. “He did, nevertheless, breach the rules and should have scratched the horse,” said the sub-committee. The horse was disqualified from the race and the stake will be refunded, the other horses being consequently promoted.