by Bren O'Brien
Racing NSW will look to compel Damion Flower to forfeit his slot for the $14 million The Everest after he was charged with serious drug offences this week.
Racing NSW has issued a show cause notice 'as to why the provisions of AR23 should not be imposed against him (Flower) in respect of his ongoing participation in the thoroughbred racing industry'.
“In this respect, it is important to note that the stand-down conditions under AR23 (which were introduced into the Rules of Racing in October 2013) are intended to protect the integrity, image and interests of thoroughbred racing while charges are being determined against a person and Racing NSW is in no way prejudging the charges against Mr Flower nor interfering with his entitlement to the presumption of innocence,” the statement read.
The statement said that Racing NSW had begun the process to force Flower to forfeit his slot with a decision yet to be made as to precisely how that slot will be re-offered.
Racing NSW has also imposed multiple interim conditions relating to horses Flower races, allowing them to continue to race but with prizemoney to be frozen until the charges are resolved. Jadeskye Racing's red and white colours will not be permitted to race, while Flower is not permitted to have any participation in thoroughbred racing.
That means he will not be able to enter racecourses, training tracks, training premises, not be able to be employed by, or otherwise engaged to provide any service in any capacity to any thoroughbred racing stable.
Racing Victoria followed Racing NSW's lead stating it will also follow AR23 and the interim conditions regarding horses.
