Brisbane track invader banned for two years

Ben Dorries - Monday July 24

The track invader who ran across Eagle Farm in May has been banned from attending races for two years.

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On Group I Kingsford-Smith Cup Day on May 27, security staff detained Andrew Saunders who had scooted across the track during the last race.

Almost the entire field had passed when Saunders ran across the straight near the 200m mark.

Saunders pleaded guilty to a charge under Australian Rule of Racing 175A relating to conduct prejudicial to the image and interests of racing.

"In assessing a penalty, stewards acknowledged Mr Saunders' sincere apology,'' the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission report reads.

"However Stewards were of the opinion that a significant penalty should be imposed so as to act as an appropriate deterrent to ensure like-minded individuals do not repeat these actions.''

Saunders was disqualified for a period of two years to commence from 11 July 2017 and to expire on 11 July 2019.

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