Riley disqualified for three years

Monday 23 February 2015, 1:10pm

Disqualified trainer Mark Riley will take his case to the Victorian civil court in a bid to saddle up leading contender Of The Brave in Saturday's Group One Blue Diamond Stakes.

Riley was on Monday banned for three years by the Racing Appeals And Disciplinary Board on a drugs related charge.

His disqualification takes effect immediately and he has until March 3 to have horses in his care transferred to other trainers.

Damien Sheales, representing Riley, said the trainer would make application to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, for a stay of proceedings.

"An appeal will be lodged, we expect tomorrow with VCAT, and we will be seeking a stay within the next 48 hours of the operation of the orders until the appeal is heard," Sheales said.

It is expected Racing Victoria stewards will vigorously oppose the stay.

Riley was found guilty on January 29 on a charge relating to the administration of bi-carb to Gold For Kev who raced at Sandown on July 13 last year.

Gold For Kev had an elevated TCO2 concentration in excess of the threshold limit of 36.0 millimoles per litre in plasma detected in a blood sample.

Riley had tried to prove special circumstances at the penalty hearing of mental impairment brought on by depression.

That submission was accepted into evidence.

Of The Brave is the $7 third favourite for Saturday's Group One Blue Diamond Stakes and will be an acceptor for the race.

"Owners are entitled to accept for the race, but it will play out from here to Saturday as to who is likely to train the horse," Racing Victoria's chief steward Terry Bailey said.

"We will have to be satisfied with whatever application comes in as to who will train the horse."

Fontiton is the $2.40 favourite ahead of Tuesday's Blue Diamond barrier draw while second favourite Pride Of Dubai ($5) has officially been paid up as a late entry for the Group One race.

– AAP

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