With court proceedings which started in 2005, The New Zealand Supreme Court has dismissed the appeal of Jockey Lisa Cropp, ending the lengthy judicial process. While on appeal and still challenging New Zealand rules on random drug testing, she was allowed to race and continue her career. That would be put on hold soon as Cropp faces a potential suspension and fines by the racing authorities. Cropp tested positive to methamphetamine and amphetamines. With a testing threshold of 300 nanograms, her urine samples tested so high that it was not accurately determined immediately.

The samples were ultimately determined to have between 20,000 and 30,000 nanograms of the the amphetamines. She faces a disqualification of one year and fines of up to $10,000. The ruling did not include any decision on penalty and costs. The penalty phase will be determined in a succeeding hearing. The New Zealand court costs could be as high as $300,000, with Cropp’s legal fees being approximately the same amount. New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) chief executive Paul Bittar welcomed the guilty decision. He said, “Our original information laid by Bryan McKenzie have been proven true and justified.”

Racecourse inspector Bryan McKenzie was originally the one who brought about the charges against Cropp. He also said that “The critical aspect here is safety of riders and we’re pleased with the result.” Prosecuting lawyer Brian Dickey said that the guilty decision was right and proper to ensure jockey safety. The decision came after almost four years of legal proceedings, where Cropp had denied her guilt and defended the charges against her. She tested positive after riding Darci Brahma to victory in the two-year-old race at Te Rapa in May 2005.

The hearings began in Auckand, and was later elevated to the High Court and the Supreme Court. Cropp’s legal team exhausted every avenue for the defense of their client. They fought against the right of New Zealand racing officials to test jockeys for illegal drugs on race day. In the four years since the start of the case, the NZTR has also changed the procedure where a jockey or horse trainer charged with a serious offense must be stood down while the case is pending. Cropp was allowed to ride throughout the duration of the hearing. Since the Cropp case surfaced, New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing has seen a change of procedure which now means any jockey or trainer charged with a serious offense must be stood down until the case is fully completed.

Lisa Cropp is considered one of New Zealand’s best jockeys, having won the New Zealand jockey premiership in 2005/06 and 2006/07. She also came in second in 2007/08. In her career, she has ridden more than 430 winners, and earning more than $8.5 million in race purses. She is currently not racing due to an injured shoulder. In December, Cropp pleaded guilty to a charge of dangerous driving. She was driving too slow on September 19, causing traffic to slow and also crossed the center line several times while driving along Highway 26.

Trackback URI | Comments RSS