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Racing NSW Stewards today received written submissions from Mr Travis Shultz, solicitor for trainer Mr Liam Birchley, in response to a show cause notice issued to Mr Birchley on 26 February 2018.

Mr Birchley was requested to show cause as to why Racing NSW Stewards should not invoke the provisions of AR50 to decline to receive or reject the nominations in NSW of horses trained by Mr Birchley, following a charge under AR175(a) being issued by Racing Victoria Limited.

Racing NSW Stewards have carefully considered the written submissions made on behalf of Mr Birchley and the brief of evidence provided by RVL in respect to the Lovani investigation.

Racing NSW Stewards are currently not comfortably satisfied that they should not invoke the provisions of AR50 to decline to receive or reject the nominations in NSW of horses trained by Mr Birchley, pending the determination of the charge under AR175(a) issued against him by Racing Victoria Limited.

In this respect, Racing NSW Stewards are of the opinion that permitting horses trained by Mr Birchley to be nominated and race in NSW prior to the charge being determined by the Victorian authorities would pose an unacceptable risk to, prejudice or undermine the image, interests and integrity of racing in NSW.

Mr Birchley, through his solicitor Mr Travis Shultz, has requested the opportunity to present his submissions in person and arrangements are currently being made for that to take place.

However, in the interim, Racing NSW Stewards acting under the provisions of AR50 decline to receive and/or reject the nomination of horses trained by Mr Birchley.