The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) have been made aware of the result of Martin Dwyer’s appeal before the Board of Appeal of the Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC).
BHA Director of Raceday Operations and Regulation Jamie Stier has been in regular contact with Dwyer and the PJA since being informed that the suspension imposed had been increased to eight months on 13th August 2013. The purpose of this contact has been to clarify the processes that would need to take place should his appeal be either unsuccessful or partially successful and he subsequently wishes to make an application that any suspension not be reciprocated by the BHA.
Under the Rules of Racing Dwyer has 48 hours, starting from the day following any suspension imposed by a Recognised Racing Authority, to make an application that the suspension should not be reciprocated in Great Britain. Sundays are not included in this 48 hour period, so Dwyer has until the close of business on Tuesday 10th September to lodge his application.
At the same time as lodging this application, Dwyer may also make an application that the suspension imposed by the RWITC does not commence in Great Britain until the date that his application for non-reciprocation is heard.
Both of these applications would be considered by the Disciplinary Panel of the BHA. Being aware that the situation may arise whereby Dwyer might make such applications, the BHA has ensured that the necessary disciplinary process is in place to consider any applications at the earliest possible opportunity.
BHA will provide a further update should these applications be received.
BHA’s Rules on reciprocity are clear and reflect those recommended by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) for best practice in such circumstances. The appeal process in the jurisdiction issuing the penalty had to be exhausted before an application not to reciprocate could be considered. The fact that the RWITC is not a signatory to the IFHA’s International Agreement is not relevant in this context, and any application will be considered in line with the BHA’s Rules of Racing.
