Racing: More delays in Cropp's long-running dope case

Lisa Cropp

The long-running Lisa Cropp case is likely to continue well into next year.

The hearing on drugs-related charges was due to resume on Thursday this week, but Cropp's counsel sought an adjournment.

The Cambridge jockey's lawyers have indicated their intention of filing with the High Court for a judicial review of one of the Judicial Control Authority rulings during the submissions that have been made to this point.

The hearing was adjourned after running from August 3 to August 24.

Cropp has been charged with riding at a Te Rapa race meeting on a day she provided a positive drug sample to methamphetamine.

A second date for the resumption of the hearing has been set down for December 12, but that seems highly unlikely to go ahead if an application for judicial review is filed with the High Court.

Judicial Control Authority executive officer Maureen Stanbury was yesterday attempting to arrange a telephone conference between counsel for both parties early next week.

Cropp is riding at Trentham today.

Included among her more prominent mounts is debut 2-year-old Irish Opera in Race 1. Two weeks ago, Irish Opera, by Stravinsky, won an Avondale barrier trial by three lengths.

Also fancied to run prominently for her are Taatics (Race 6), All Square in Race 8 and last-start winner Bay Lass in the final event.