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Top Kiwi Jockey Suspended on Drug Charges - 06-07-09
June 7 - After a series of long and drawn out court cases, champion New Zealand jockey, Lisa Cropp, has been suspended from horseracing for nine months after being found guilty on drugs charges by the Judicial Control Authority (JCA), and has been ordered to pay $NZ99,500 ($63,361) in fines and costs.
The judgment was handed down on Friday by the JCA, putting to rest the matter that started in June 2005 when Cropp tested positive for methamphetamine after a race meeting in Te Rapa, Hamilton. Her suspension will begin on June 25, giving her enough time to make arrangements for the horses on her property.
Under the terms and conditions of her suspension, the jockey will not be allowed on any racecourses in New Zealand, or tracks where trials are held or even on any properties where racehorses are being stabled and/or trained. While deserved, the suspension will no doubt come as a blow for the disgraced rider.
Cropp's financial penalties are comprised of $NZ92,000 in court costs and a $NZ7,500 fine. The court costs are 50 percent of the total court costs which, while substantial, pale in comparison as to what the New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) - who brought the case against the jockey - were seeking.
If they had got their way, Cropp would have been suspended for a full year, given a fine of $NZ10,000 and been liable for 80 percent of the total court costs. However her current punishment will serve as a stark reminder and warning to other jockeys and horsemen in New Zealand to steer clear of drugs.
During the court case, the prosecution argued that methamphetamine is not only a performance enhancer, but also a risk for the user. Despite testing positive for the illegal drug, the court heard how her use of meth did not affect her riding on June 25, 2005 and she was found to be clear of the drug five days later.
Between testing positive for methamphetamine and now, Lisa Cropp has reportedly earned over $NZ1,000,000 ($637,000) in domestic racing fees. This means that she can use the interest from her earnings to pay off the fine, and spend the next 9 months living a life of leisure while her suspension counts down.
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