Non Raceday Inquiry – Written Decision dated 18 July 2023 – Darren Danis

ID: RIB25347

Respondent(s):
Darren Danis - Jockey

Applicant:
Mr G Stewart - Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Hon J W Gendall KC (Chair), Ms G Himona

Persons Present:
Mr G Stewart, Mr B Jones - Stipendiary Steward, Mr A Dooley - Stipendiary Steward, Mr D Danis

Decision Type:
Non-race Related Charge

Charge:
Rode at trials without producing a medical clearance

Rule(s):
623 - Riding/driving infringement

Plea:
Admitted

Code:
Thoroughbred

Hearing Date:
13/07/2023

Hearing Location:
Cambridge Racecourse

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Class A Jockey Darren Danis is fined $200

1. An Information presented by Mr G Stewart alleged that Mr Danis committed a breach of Rule 623 in riding at the Cambridge Jockey Club Trials on 11 July 2023 when he failed to produce a certificate from a Registered Medical Practitioner as to his fitness to ride.

2. Mr Danis admitted the charge.

3. The facts were that Mr Danis, when riding at Pukekohe on 8 November 2022, was stood down by the Stipendiary Stewards on medical grounds.  Under Rule 623, he was required by a Stipendiary Steward to undergo a medical examination by a Registered Medical Practitioner in order to determine his fitness for riding and he was required to produce to a Steward such certificate before riding in any race at a race meeting or in any trial or trackwork.

4. Mr Danis rode one horse in the Cambridge Trials without producing the required medical certificate.  He said he had such a certificate but “had left it at home” and had not brought it with him.

5. Mr Danis repeated this explanation to the Adjudicative Committee and produced an undated letter “to whom it maybe concern from a Doctor as to his “return to work plan”.  He accepted he knew he had to comply with the Rule, and had to produce the required notice when earlier riding trackwork (as he said had occurred) or at trials.  He had no submissions as to penalty.

6. As contended by the Informant, Mr Danis was fined $200.

Decision Date: 13/07/2023

Publish Date: 18/07/2023