A pair of top and prominent harness racing drivers have been suspended from competing for eight weeks after failing pre-race alcohol tests earlier this year.
Robert Butt and Blair Orange were both discovered to be over the permissible limit at a January 24 Banks Peninsula Trotting Club meet. The meet took place at the Motukarara Raceway, which is situated just outside of Christchurch. Both men were set to drive in several races planned for the day, but were stood down and replaced with alternative drivers. Charges have since been filed with the sport’s Judicial Control Authority (JCA).
This will have been the second time Butt, who is also a harness racing trainer, was found to be over the legal alcohol limit as prescribed by the sport. He reacted to the outcome of the test by telling investigators that he had attended a social get-together the night before, but that he had made sure to finish drinking at midnight. His first run-in with a similar transgression happened in 2016.
According to the JCA’s verdict, Butt had shown himself to have a definite problem with the use of alcohol, and this despite his own belief that he understood its effects. The decision also indicated that Butt had agreed to undergo counselling. He will not be permitted to race again until the end of racing on March 28.
While Orange’s JCA decision has not yet been published, Harness Racing New Zealand has confirmed that his term of suspension will extend up to and including April 5.
Both men have been ordered to pay fines to the JCA.
| # | Site | Bonus | Bet | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | Ladbrokes |  | 5/5 | 100% Match up to $250 | Bet now Review |
| 2 |  | Betway | | 4.9/5 | Up to $60 NZD | Bet now Review |
| 3 |  | Palmerbet | | 4.8/5 | 100% Match | Bet now Review |
| 4 |  | Picklebet | | 4.6/5 | Login to see promotions | Bet now Review |
More About Gary Hicks
When it comes to knowing what’s going on, on the track, field or any other sporting arena, Gary Hicks is your man. With an almost unrivalled passion for journalism, sports and betting Gary decided to combine his love of all 3 and share his expertise with the world.
In the last few years Gary has risen through the ranks and prides himself on always keeping a finger on the pulse of what’s hot and happening in the sports betting world. Gary is the resident news expert at OnlineBettingNZ.co.nz and his articles make for invaluable fodder for any avid punter.
You May Also Like:
Leading Jockey Suspended Over Safety Breach
What started out as fun and games at a house party at a local Airbnb on Wednesday evening has now led to a suspension of champion jockey Jamie Kah and ….
Sheryl Wigg Admits To Substance-Charge
Well-known amateur harness racing driver, Sheryl Wigg, has reportedly admitted to administering a substance to a horse on race day. According to the rules of harness racing, horses aren’t allowed ….
Trentham Racecourse Disrupter Charged
The man who had walked onto a Trentham Racecourse right in the middle of a Wellington Cup race earlier this year, only narrowly avoiding being trampled by horses and their ….
Wellington Cup Disturber Appears In Court
A 24-year-old man accused of running onto the track at the Trentham Racecourse while the race was already in motion on Wellington Cup Day, has been charged and has appeared ….
NZ Drivers Unhappy About New Whip Rule
A group of New Zealand harness racing drivers have expressed their dissatisfaction over the sport’s new rule regarding the severe limiting of the use of the force of the whip ….