According to a report, two horsemen, a father and son, have been banned from the standardbred industry for a combined total of 23 years after a November brawl
at a raceway.
An article by The Herald states that the ruling stems from an incident at Newcastle International Paceway in Australia where trainer Paul Harmey and son Jason Harmey were part of a melee which escalated to involving a motor vehicle.
According to the report, the situation occurred after Jason had been handed a three-week suspension by Harness Racing New South Wales stewards. Jason's suspension was handed down because it was determined that a horse he had driven during a November 14 race had interfered with a horse trained by a conditioner named Shane Tritton.
The Herald article explains that an altercation -- observed by bystanders and stewards -- then took place in the track's stabling area and parking lot.
In the fracas, Paul reportedly assaulted Tritton, drove his vehicle in a threatening manner, and threatened his nephew, Clayton Harmey. Paul has subsequently been handed a 17-year suspension by Harness Racing NSW.
The report also states that Jason assaulted Tritton and slapped the hand of a Harness Racing NSW steward. He was subsequently handed a six-year suspension -- one year for the assault and five years for slapping the official's hand.
Click here to the read the The Herald article in its entirety.
(With files from The Herald)