Harness racing trainer Scott Dyer appeals Harness Racing Victoria disqualification

The Harness Racing Victoria Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board in May found Scott Dyer guilty of five breaches relating to races in December, 2014.

He was disqualified for seven years and 34 days, with 331 days reckoned as already served by way of suspension.

Dyer appealed the disqualification to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal. VCAT member Reynah Tang AM found the disqualification period should be reduced to six years.

Dyer pleaded guilty to interfering with the horse Waterslide's post-race blood sample on December 8, 2014.

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The tribunal heard Dyer injected the horse with potassium via a syringe after it competed in and won race five in Charlton.

Dyer also pleaded guilty to two charges of disclosing information that could unlawfully advantage or disadvantage someone.

The tribunal heard in Swan Hill on December 2, 2014, Dyer told an associate the horse Cashisking would be stomach tubed before competing in the race.

Dyer also told the same associate in Horsham on December 15, 2014, the horse Dynamite Dick would be stomach tubed before competing.

Stomach tubing is when medication or liquid is administered via a feeding tube through a horse's nose, down their throat and into the stomach. Certain substances when administered this way can delay fatigue in race horses.

The tribunal heard Dyer knew the information could be used for betting purposes.

Dyer also drove the horse Sukovia in the race at Horsham on December 15, 2014. He pleaded guilty to not racing the horse on its merit.

Mr Tang said the mitigating factors were Dyer's guilty plea, the lengthy delay in bringing the case before the RADB, the impact the case has had on Dyer's mental health, and the absence of evidence of financial gain from the offending.

Mr Tang took into account the suspension and disqualification Dyer had already served.

The disqualification will expire in June 2024.

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