The Maine State Harness Racing Commission today approved the suspensions of W. Drew Campbell and Robert Dinning from driving until July 1, 2010.

The suspensions arise from violation of rule 17 section 3.2 which states “When in the course of the previous two racing years, a person has violated Maine Harness Racing Commission rules and been fined a total of $2,000 or more or has been subject to license suspensions of 250 or more days, regardless of the nature of the violations resulting in the fines or suspensions, the Commission shall consider that grounds for suspension or shall refuse to renew a person’s license(s).

Five drivers have exceeded the $2,000 ceiling for the 2008-2009 seasons. Including Dinning and Campbell, the others are Gary Mosher, L. Alex MacDonald, and Kevin Switzer, Jr. The remaining three drivers have not yet met with the commission although they have been in discussion with the commission office.

The Campbell and Dinning saga began when the commission offered a consent agreement to the two licensees. Those consent agreements were not signed by the drivers. Those agreements were withdrawn and they elected to come before the full commission. The two separate hearings were held on April 6. Both drivers acknowledged that they had violated the rule. They argued how the rule was outdated and unfair based on the fact that rule 17.3.2 was established around 1983 and has not been adjusted over the years although the amount of fines and dollar value of fines has increased over the years.

“Mr. Campbell’s testimony was that he attempts to win races.” said commission chairman George McHale. Campbell was asked during the hearing if he was aware of the various rules that he violated over the course of two years, which he said he was. “(He was) breaking rules and willing to pay the fine in order to win races. The commission felt very strongly that this is not something we wish to tolerate.” said McHale.

Mr. Campbell, Mr. Dinning or their legal representative, William Childs were not available for comment.

The commission granted both Campbell and Dinning all licenses that they applied for in 2010 but suspended their driver’s licenses until July 1. They will be able to own and train horses during that time.