Trainer J O’Hara exercised his Right of Appeal against the severity of the penalty imposed on him on Thursday, 20 January 2022 after pleading guilty to five positives in November last year.
He subsequently applied for a Stay of Penalty. After giving consideration to the matter on Sunday, 14 November 2021, a Stay of Penalty was granted by the Panel of Stewards.
After considering all of the evidence together with submissions from Trainer J O’Hara and the Chief Stipendiary Steward, the Appeal Panel dismissed the Appeal against the severity of the penalties imposed on him.
However, the penalties were varied on Charges 3, 4 and 6 to twelve months’ disqualification on each Charge to be served concurrently.
The Appeal Panel advised Mr J O’Hara be given until 15 February 2022 to finalise all horse and staff transfers but would not be permitted to have any runners during this period.
In summary, Trainer J O’Hara was disqualified for a period of twelve months’ with immediate effect and fined a sum of S$25,000. His deposit was forfeited.
