Racing: Harness driver tested over the limit after race

Harness driver Blair Orange.

Canterbury harness driver Blair Orange will learn of his penalty at Roxburgh today after recording a breath-alcohol level above the allowed Harness Racing New Zealand level of 100mcg at Omakau on Saturday.

Racing Integrity Unit racing investigator Barry Kitto said Orange was one of a random number of drivers to be tested prior to their drives at Omakau. Kitto declined to provide the breath-alcohol level returned by Orange.

Orange pleaded guilty and the Judicial Control Authority will release its decision on penalties today after submissions were made on Saturday.

Possible penalties include a suspension, a fine or both. It is believed to be the first case related to a high breath-alcohol reading in harness racing. Recent cases in thoroughbred racing include Terry Moseley in 2009 and Ryan Bishop in 2013.