Editorial: Right result but work to do

OPINION: Leading horse trainer Paul Moroney's offer to hand in his licence last week spared him suspension by racing's disciplinary court – the Judicial Control Authority (JCA). It was a smart move.

Some say he got off lightly and that racing's ability to deal properly and forcefully with rule breakers is still hamstrung – and they would have a point.

However, in this instance at least the judicial process appears to have forced much-needed change. While he was not suspended, the JCA fined Paul and his brother, Michael, $25,000 – which included a fine and costs – after racehorse Mae Jinx tested positive for the banned drug Indomethacin.

It was the second positive swab in nine months from their Ballymore stable in Matamata, which Paul has been running while Michael works at his Melbourne operation. The drug was administered by a stable employee and though the JCA recognised it was an unintentional breach, it acted swiftly and its punishment, along with New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing's highly critical investigation, has sparked action.

The Moroneys, stung by criticism that "gross negligence" was involved and reports that the stable had a "culture of excessive drug use by both staff and horses", say they already had changes under way, particularly the appointment of Andrew Clarken, a former employee, as Ballymore's new trainer. Two other senior staff members have also been engaged and other structural changes are in the wind.

We have to take their word for that, but the probe, hearing and fine were a good prod.

For once, the JCA appears to have acted with something nearing the appropriate speed and with the intention of making a point. In the past it has faltered, particularly in the cases of trainer Geoff Small and jockey Lisa Cropp.

Small was recently given a "last chance" by the JCA after a six-month suspension was commuted to a $10,000 fine over the scratching of a horse from a race last October. His appeal was successful because of a poorly written rule. All of this despite him being warned in October 2008 that future rule breaches would result in suspension or disqualification. In June last year Cropp was finally fined $7500, ordered to pay $90,000 in costs and banned from horse racing for nine months after testing positive for methamphetamine at the Te Rapa racecourse in May 2005. She continued to ride after failing the drugs test, bagging 197 wins in 2005, a new record.

New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing is taking civil action to force her to pay.

The JCA's main focus is contributing to consumer confidence in the racing product. It is essential that it has the teeth, particularly the range of punishments available, to tackle rule breakers fairly and swiftly. Any sport where gambling is involved cannot afford to dilly-dally with rule breakers – trust is paramount. At the moment, the punishments don't often appear to match the offence.

- © Fairfax NZ News