KEY POINTS:
The Lisa Cropp case, with a timeline that makes the original O.J. Simpson case look like a one-act play, finally resumed at Ellerslie yesterday.
With the news that from today the case before the Judicial Control Authority will be further adjourned until next month.
The latest delay is
to allow for the availability of expert witnesses for Cropp's defence.
Its now 3 1/2 years since Cropp produced a urine sample positive to methamphetamine after riding high-class galloper Darci Brahma to victory in a 2-year-old race at Te Rapa on May, 2005.
Major delays have been created by the Cambridge jockey's defence team exhausting every avenue in appealing the right of racing authorities to test jockeys for illegal substances on raceday.
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing's prosecution case, headed by Auckland Crown Solicitor Simon Moore, had been completed long before the defence challenged the body's rights to hear the case.
Yesterday's hearing was the beginning of the defence case.
Much of it was spent on reviewing testing procedures and the issues surrounding the testing, much of Cropp's testimony being strongly challenged by Moore.
Today will be spent with the hearing participants examining the testing station at Te Rapa racecourse.
At last Friday's official raceday at Te Rapa, Cropp and her lawyer Anthony Shaw requested permission to inspect the station.
Drug and alcohol testing of jockeys was taking place at the time that day, overseen by racecourse inspector Bryan McKenzie.
That access was denied, said chief racecourse inspector John McKenzie.
Lisa Cropp and her counsel then presented themselves at the St Johns area and initially approached the nurse, asking to see through the station. Anthony Shaw also asked if he could use the toilet in the station.
Access to the station and to the toilet was denied.
Mercifully, there can never be a repeat of the Cropp debacle.
When this case surfaced, New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing quickly moved to change the rules, which will now see any jockey or trainer charged with a serious offence stood down until the case is fully completed.
New Zealand racing has been internationally embarrassed by the case.
It might have taken more than 3 1/2 years when it finally happens, but one day someone will eventually ask the only question that matters in this hearing: did you ride in a race with methamphetamine in your system?
* Auckland mare Boundless will be ridden by Melbourne-based jockey Dwayne Dunn in the Caulfield Cup on Saturday week.
Trainer Stephen McKee confirmed the engagement yesterday. Dunn is the No 1 rider for the Lee Freedman stable.
