Trainer Mark Riley Gains Stay
- Tuesday, 24 February 2015 10:47
Disqualified trainer Mark Riley is free to saddle up Of The Brave in the Blue Diamond Stakes after gaining a last-minute stay of proceedings pending an appeal against his ban.
Riley took his case to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal late on Tuesday after the Supreme Court said earlier in the day it did not have the jurisdiction to rule on his case.
On Monday, the Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board on Monday banned Riley for three years after finding him guilty of the administration of bi-carb to another horse in his care.
Racing Victoria stewards had ordered Of The Brave be removed from Riley's stable by 10am Wednesday or be scratched from Saturday's $1 million race.
Stewards said they had made the order for Of The Brave to be moved to ensure punters and betting operators had appropriate notice of any change of trainer.
However the VCAT ruling said it was in the interests of punters that Riley remain the trainer Of The Brave for Saturday's race.
Of The Brave remains the third favourite for the Blue Diamond but has eased from $7 to $10 with Fontiton at $2.60 after drawing barrier one ahead of Pride Of Dubai at $7.
