Hudon's 10 years thrown out

Ontario-based horseman Pat Hudon has had his 10-year suspension and $100,000 fine for the acquisition, possession and use of drugs thrown out by the Ontario Racing Commission (ORC), the result being an immediate reinstatement of his racing license.

In its initial ruling in late January, the ORC ruled Hudon has used Aranesp, a potent form of EPO, on his horses. According to Hudon’s lawyer in a statement posted by Trot Insider, the case was thrown out because the statement obtained from Hudon that led to his suspension was not obtained fairly and was thus inadmissible.

“The (ORC) administration’s case against Mr. Hudon was based solely on statements that Mr. Hudon had made to an Ontario Provincial Police detective who works with the racing commission branch,” explained the lawyer, who went on to say, “What the (ORC) panel found was that the statement was obtained by deceitful means and that the racing commission has to act with honesty, integrity and social responsibility, and anybody they delegate authority to has to act in that same manner…

“What they found was the detective did not act that way, and the statement was not obtained fairly, and as a result they ruled the statement was inadmissible.”

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