Finally some justice has been found in the Lindsay Harper case!
Harper was warned off any track world-wide some 12 years ago by The Racing and Wagering WA (RWWA).
Originally Harper received a five-year disqualification over the alleged 2003 bashing of farrier Adrian Taylor. (although he was never charged when WA Police investigated the alleged incident).Harper then was founded to have breached his disqualification by working as a strapper in America.
The WA Stewards in January of 2009 invoked the provisions of local rule 259 and deemed Harpers five year disqualification was to recommence from 5 January 2009 and too expire at midnight January 4 2014.
Just prior to that date ( 4 January 2014) Harper received notification from RWWA he had been warned off for life and would not be allowed to renew any form of licence.
For some two years Harper fought this ruling through the courts without success, Now RWWA has deemed he may attend meetings as a spectator at city and country tracks. He is not to enter areas restricted to licensed persons such as the birdcage at Gloucester Park or stabling areas at any track.
The IAC will consider further reducing conditions attached to Harper’s ban if he adheres to restrictions for six months.
In an application to have the ban lifted Harper stated he wanted to support his sons Donald and Kyle, both trainers and reinsmen.
One sad thing about this whole affair id Harper senior has never seen his youngest son Kyle drive live.
Ironically he will be able to attend New Years Day meeting the Village Kid Sprint a race Harper won twice with Shattering Class (1988 & 2002) both his sons have also won the Group 2 event Donald on Hayton Brain in 2008 and Kyle on Myta Magical Mach in 2012.
Harper has agreed as part of his conditions not to have any hands on contact with horses he can offer advice to his sons.
Lindsay Harper grew up with horses his father Don was a trainer his older brother Greg was once a leading trainer in WA.
Lindsay himself commenced driving at the age of 17 and within 12 months he was taking the WA Harness Racing scene by storm in 1975 he represented WA at the Australians Young Driver’s Championship at Globe Derby in South Australia and came home with the gold medal.
From that point he went on to become West Australia’s leading reinsmen he has won every major race on the WA calendar and was WA leading driver on a number of occasions in the late 90’s early 2000’s.
Harness racing justice may finally be found.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
Driving The Future Of Harness Racing
