Racing Victoria (RV) Stewards have today concluded an inquiry into the ownership interests of registered owner Mr Allan Endresz.
During the course of their inquiries, the Stewards established two areas of concern. Firstly, that Mr Endresz is currently an undischarged bankrupt, and secondly, the Stewards have been unable to ascertain nor identify all of the beneficiaries associated with Mr Endresz and his racing syndicates.
In light of the above concerns, Mr Endresz was invited to participate in a show cause hearing where he was provided with an opportunity to demonstrate why he ought be allowed to continue racing horses in Victoria.
Taking into account all the information and materials provided during the show cause hearing, the Stewards have determined, that Mr Endresz has not complied with the following Australian Rules of Racing:
- AR36A(2)(c) which states that a person is not permitted to hold an ownership or lease interest in a horse if the person is an undischarged bankrupt or is taking advantage of the laws in force for the time being relating to bankruptcy; and
- AR36B which states that an ownership or lease interest in a horse is not permitted to be held in a trust where the persons having an interest in the horse, beneficial or otherwise, are not readily and accurately identifiable.
As such, the Stewards have made the following orders:
In relation to named, Victorian-based horses where Mr Endresz, Ezybonds No 1 or any other syndicate Mr Endresz is associated with holds a minority interest, the Stewards in their discretion will permit those horses to race in Victoria.
This order currently applies to Bit of Oz (Robbie Griffiths/Mathew de Kock), More Capital (Robbie Griffiths/Mathew de Kock), Oligarchy (Robbie Griffiths/Mathew de Kock) and Yosemite (Robbie Griffiths/Mathew de Kock).
Should Mr Endresz intend on racing any other horses in Victoria, in which he holds a minority interest, he is required to notify the Stewards to obtain such approval.
In coming to this decision, the Stewards carefully considered the position of other owners, who would otherwise be entitled to race and should not be impacted by Mr Endresz’ failure to comply with AR36A or AR36B.
However, any prizemoney share in which Mr Endresz, Ezybonds No 1 or any other syndicate Mr Endresz is associated with will be withheld.
In relation to any horses where Mr Endresz, Ezybonds No 1 or any other syndicate Mr Endresz is associated with holds a majority interest, the Stewards will not permit those horses to race in Victoria until Mr Endresz resolves the two areas of concern to the Stewards' reasonable satisfaction.
This order applies to Alligator Blood (Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott), American Pioneer (Robbie Griffiths/Mathew de Kock) and any other horse (named or unnamed) that is affected by these issues.