Tuesday, 9 December 2008: New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing today stated its position in relation to the adoption of penalties imposed by overseas racing authorities following the decision of Racing NSW not to fully reciprocate a penalty of disqualification imposed on jockey Chris Munce by the stewards of the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
NZTR chairman Guy Sargent said a response was necessary due to to a number of enquiries in respect of this issue, including the seeking of a formal clarification of its position from the HKJC.
"NZTR wishes to clearly state its position as one of supporting reciprocation of penalties, unless there are special conditions required by the laws of natural justice, and taking into account whether the licensee has exhausted all avenues of appeal in the jurisdiction in which the penalty was exposed," Sargent said.
“Further, NZTR firmly believes that the decision by Racing NSW not to reciprocate a disqualification handed down by the stewards of the HKJC will negatively impact on the current level of cooperation between major racing jurisdictions to uphold the integrity of and public confidence in horse racing.”
argent said It is not possible to determine whether any particular application for a licence or permit to ride in New Zealand would be granted until the application was received.
NZTR is a signatory to Article 10 of the International Agreement on Breeding, Racing and Wagering (except clause 10 II. (b)).
With particular regard to this issue, clause 10 IV states: "The Horseracing Authority of the country in which the rider had ridden, must immediately advise the Horseracing Authority of the country in which the licence or permit has been issued of the original suspension and subsequently of the result of any appeal hearing and, if deemed necessary, request that reciprocation of the penalty be applied. Such suspension will then automatically apply in the country where the licence or permit has been issued, subject to any special conditions required by the laws of natural justice in that country."
