Rosehill trainer Con Karakatsanis and his father Tony have failed in having their penalties reduced on appeal over an attempt to stomach tube sprinter Howmuchdoyoulovme on raceday.
Howmuchdoyouloveme was nominated for the Salinger Stakes at Flemington on November 3 last year. However it was alleged that Karakatsanis intended to drench the horse on raceday when tubing gear was found near Howmuchdoyouloveme in the stable.
The Racing Appeals and Disciplinary (RAD) Board found the duo guilty at a hearing on January 21 and subsequently disqualified Con Karakatsanis and his father Tony for nine months and two years respectively.
Last month the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) dismissed the pair’s appeals and yesterday, VCAT handed down their decision that the original disqualifications for the duo issued by the RAD Board would stand.
By Owens Wong