Harness – Stewards Inquiry – Driver Mr Gary Hall (Jnr)
19 January, 2017
Harness
RWWA Stewards today conducted an inquiry in relation to the conduct of Driver Mr G Hall (Jnr) during an inquiry conducted by the Stewards of Harness Racing at Gloucester Park Racecourse on Friday 30 December 2016.
The inquiry panel consisting of Chief Steward (Greyhounds) Mr Carlos Martins, Deputy Chief Steward (Thoroughbreds) Mr Harold Taylor and Integrity Operations Co-ordinator Mr Mark Kemp heard evidence from:
- Deputy Chief Steward (Harness) Mr Rhys Chappell
- Harness Form Analyst and Steward, Mr Trevor Styles
- Driver Mr Gary Hall (Jnr)
Stewards also had the benefit of the transcript and recordings from the inquiry conducted on 30 December 2016.
Stewards subsequently issued the following charges to which Mr Hall pleaded as indicated.
Charge 1 Rule 247 Improper speech and behaviour with the specifics of the charge being that on 30 December 2016, Mr Hall (Jnr), being a registered person with RWWA, behaved in an improper manner by not immediately returning to the Stewards room when requested to do so by Stewards during an inquiry at Gloucester Park.
Charge 2 Rule 247 Improper speech and behaviour with the specifics of the charge being that
on 30 December 2016, Mr Hall (Jnr), being a registered person with RWWA, spoke in an improper manner towards the Deputy Chief Steward Mr Rhys Chappell during an inquiry at Gloucester Park, by stating the words “Like I said I’m not here to make things difficult for you guys but if you are going to make things difficult for me then I’ll do what I can to make them difficult for you”.
Charge 3 Rule 247 Improper speech and behaviour with the specifics of the charge being that
on the 30 December 2016, Mr Hall (Jnr), being a registered person with RWWA, spoke in an intimidatory manner when addressing Harness Form Analyst Mr Trevor Styles during an inquiry at Gloucester Park, by stating the words “But if you want to put words in my mouth every time I come in here we are going to have issues. Big issues. More so for you than me.
Mr Hall pleaded guilty to Charges 1 and 2, and not guilty to Charge 3.
The inquiry was adjourned to a date to be determined in order for the panel to decide the outcome of Charge 3 before proceeding to hear submissions with respect to what penalties, if any, may apply.
Media Contact:
Denis Borovica – General Manager Racing Integrity
Ph: 9445 5427
denis.borovica@rwwa.com.au