NZ: Racing: Jurisdiction questioned

Much of the Lisa Cropp hearing yesterday was spent with the defence challenging the right of the Judicial Control Authority to hear the charges of Cropp returning a positive drug test to methamphetamine.

It was the fourth day of the hearing arising from Cropp's positive result to a routine drugs test at Te Rapa in May.

After lengthy submissions yesterday it was ruled the JCA had the right to hear the charges.

The hearing continued late in the day, but there were indications there would be a further challenge and the hearing may now last into next week.

The defence, through lawyer Barry Hart, indicated it would require the tribunal to call more witnesses from New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing.

Cropp faces disqualification of up to 12 months and a fine of $10,000 if found guilty.

Eleven days ago she broke Lance O'Sullivan's record of 194 wins in a season by a New Zealand jockey, and became the first woman to win the jockeys' premiership.

The presentation of the trophy for the champion jockey for the season will be made at NZTR black tie annual awards dinner in Christchurch on Friday night.

Cropp is booked to ride the Graeme Rogerson-trained Carry On Cutie in Sydney on Saturday.

The hearing continues today.

Newshawk: http://www.napnt.org/amphetablog.html
Pubdate: Wednesday, 10th August 2005
Source: New Zealand Herald (New Zealand Web)
Author: Mike Dillon
Contact: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/info/letters/
Copyright: 2005 The New Zealand Herald
Website: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/