Thoroughbred – Stewards Inquiry – Owner Terrence Pitsikas and Stablehand Shane Campbell
3 November, 2017
Thoroughbred
RWWA Stewards today concluded an inquiry conducted into reports received from RWWA Senior Investigative Steward Mr Paul Criddle and RWWA Racing Industry Veterinarian Dr Judith Medd in relation to the condition of horses owned by Mr Terrence Pitsikas at a property in Port Kennedy leased by registered Stablehand Mr Shane Campbell.
Mr Pitsikas had previously been found guilty to a charge under Rule AR.175(o) (iv) in that he being the owner of the horses COURTEMNAPPIN, ECONOMIC CRISIS and MAJISTI was in charge of those horses and failed to provide proper and sufficient nutrition for those three horses which resulted in COURTEMNAPPIN and ECONOMIC CRISIS being found to be in very poor body condition and MAJISTI being found to be in poor body condition when inspected by RWWA Veterinarian Dr Judith Medd on Tuesday 9 May 2017.
After considering all factors in relation to the matter Stewards today determined to disqualify Mr Pitsikas for a period of twelve (12) months effective immediately.
In considering penalty Stewards took into account:
- Previous penalties issued for related matters.
- The seriousness of the matter and the need for deterrence to reinforce and maintain the high standards of animal welfare that apply within the industry as a whole.
Mr Campbell had previously pleaded guilty to charge under Rule AR.175(q) in that he deliberately did not inform the RWWA Stewards of the continuing deterioration in condition of the horses COURTEMNAPPIN, ECONOMIC CRISIS and MAJISTI.
After considering all factors in relation to the matter Stewards today determined to suspend Mr Campbell’s license as a Stablehand for a period of Six (6) months effective immediately.
In considering penalty Stewards took into account:
- Mr Campbell’s personal circumstances, plea of guilty, his obvious remorse and co-operation during the inquiry.
- That he had attempted to encourage the owner to provide proper nutrition for the horses.
- That he failed to act in the best interest of the horses by failing to advise the Stewards of their deteriorating condition.
Media Contact:
Brad Lewis – Chief Steward Thoroughbreds
Ph: 9445 5420
brad.lewis@rwwa.com.au