Trot Insider has spoken with Dr. Paul Hogan of the Maritime Provinces Harness Racing Commission in regard to the fine and suspension of Huguette Champagne, the Horse Racing New Brunswick administrator that was involved in a horse mix-up during a Fredericton Raceway program on Labour Day
.
During the third race on Fredericton's Monday, September 1 afternoon card of racing, eight-year-old Lisryan mare Roady Ryan contested the dash for trainer James Smith, even though the mare was supposed to participate in Race 4.
As noted on Standardbred Canada's fines and suspensions list, Champagne has been fined $500 and has been handed an indefinite suspension, solely from her paddock judge duties.
"The fine and suspension came from a failure to verify the tattoo of the horse prior to the race," Dr. Hogan, director of racing for the MPHRC, told Trot Insider.
Dr. Hogan also told Trot Insider that there was no indication that there was any deliberate action in regard to sending the wrong horse out to race.
A full mutuel refund was given on Roady Ryan.
Dr. Hogan also told Trot Insider that Roady Ryan's trainer, James Smith, was fined $200 over the incident.