Trainer Mark Riley will appeal a three-year disqualification imposed by the Racing and Disciplinary Appeals Board and will seek a stay of proceedings to be able to prepare third-favourite Of The Brave for Saturday’s $1 million Sportingbet powered by William Hill Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m), reports www.racing.com.
Riley was found guilty of administering a prohibited substance to his horse Gold for Kevin a race at Sandown in July last year. The adjourned penalty hearing concluded on Monday, with Riley receiving the minimum three-year ban.
While the disqualification does not start until March 3, he is not allowed to oversee final preparations for Of The Brave in Saturday’s Group 1 event, the richest juvenile race in Victoria.
However, Riley will appeal the decision further to VCAT and his legal counsel will seek a stay on his disqualification until after any appeal is heard.
“All we want to say at this stage is that an appeal will be lodged tomorrow (Tuesday) with VCAT and we will be seeking a stay,” Riley’s legal counsel Damian Sheales said.
Monday’s penalty hearing saw Riley attempt to prove special circumstances for the offence, claiming mental distress during the period in question.
However, the three-year ban was imposed by the three-man RADB panel.
Riley had initially pleaded not guilty to AR175 (h) (i) despite Gold For Kev returning a swab with an elevated TCO2 level.
Of the Brave is unbeaten in two starts, including a narrow win in the blue Diamond Prelude for colts and geldings on February 14 at Caulfield.
The Starspangledbanner colt is currently a $7 chance with TAB for the Blue Diamond, with unbeaten filly Fontiton at the top of the market at $2.40.