No finding as trainer appeals long ban

TASMANIAN trainer Barry Campbell’s appeal against the severity of a three-year disqualification was heard by the South Australian Appeals Tribunal yesterday but it was unable to deliver a finding.

Campbell and his stable foreman Tanya Coward were found guilty of charges relating to alleged race day treatment of multiple Tasmanian cups winner Eastender that was withdrawn on the morning of the Adelaide Cup in which he was second favourite.

Campbell faced three charges while his stable foreman Tanya Coward was also charged and found guilty of being a party to the alleged race day treatment.

They attended the appeal hearing in Adelaide on Thursday to give evidence, which they hope has convinced the appeals tribunal that two of Campbell’s convictions are unfounded and that Coward’s conviction also wasn’t warranted.

Campbell appealed against the severity of the three-year disqualification for infringing the race day treatment rule which the stewards described as “engaging in conduct intended to corrupt the outcome of a race”.

The appeals process has gone on for more than four months with the SA stewards responsible for the delays in having the appeal heard.

President of the SAAT Tim Anderson, QC, has reserved his judgement but is expected to deliver his findings some time next week. Eastender was subsequently transferred to the Chris Waller stable in Sydney but at his first start for his new trainer the gelding hit the running rail during the race and has subsequently been spelled.

Eastender became the first since Brallos (1977) to win the Devonport, Hobart and Launceston cups in the same season. Following his withdrawal from the Adelaide Cup Eastender was spelled.