Racing: Final submissions in Cropp hearing

Lawyers in the long-running drug case of jockey Lisa Cropp will present their final oral submissions on Wednesday.

Submissions will be presented at Ellerslie racecourse to racing's Judicial Control Authority (JCA) by those prosecuting Cropp following her positive test to methamphetamine at a race meeting at Te Rapa, Hamilton on May 7, 2005.

Prosecutors allege Cropp set out to contaminate her urine because she knew it would test positive for methamphetamine.

Cropp has denied ever taking the drug and had unsuccessfully challenged the legality of the test through the courts in the past three years.

Racecourse inspector John McKenzie told NZPA today two days were set aside for final submissions but that it could be completed in one day.

The final submissions follow a few days of hearings over the past six weeks. Cropp gave evidence in her own defence.

It is expected the JCA will reserve its decision once final submissions are presented.

If the charge is proven Cropp could be disqualified or suspended from racing for up to 12 months and/or fined up to $10,000.

Prosecutors have also given notice they will seek costs from Cropp if the charge is proven.

- NZPA