Thoroughbred Stewards Inquiry – Trainer Mr Roy Rogers
On Monday 14 June 2021, Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA) Stewards concluded an inquiry regarding comments that were alleged to have been made by Trainer, Mr R Rogers towards Apprentice Jockey Mr Kristo Sardelic in the mounting enclosure shortly before Race Six at Albany on 16 May 2021.
The inquiry was conducted in the Stewards Room at the Albany Turf Club where evidence was heard from:
- Apprentice Jockey Mr K Sardelic
- Trainer Mr S Wolfe via telephone
- Trainer Mr P Western
- Apprentice Jockey Ms B Banovic-Edwards
- Apprentice Jockey Ms M Derrick
- RWWA Senior Investigator Mr G Johnson
- Trainer Mr R Rogers
Trainer Mr R Rogers was found guilty to a charge under AR228 (b) in relation to misconduct at Albany on 16 May 2021 prior to race six, when directing unnecessary comments in the mounting enclosure to the rider of another runner in the race (K Sardelic) which had the potential to influence his tactics when riding in that race.
After considering submissions on penalty, the Stewards determined to impose a fine of $3,000.
In considering penalty Stewards took into account:
- Mr Rogers’ extensive level of involvement in racing
- Mr Rogers’ good record over a long history of involvement in racing
- That his comments were made publicly in the mounting yard in the presence of others and there was no attempt to communicate surreptitiously with another rider in the race
- Mr Rogers’ submission that his comments were not intended to influence the tactics of another rider
- The potential for such comments to influence the tactics of another rider, particularly in relation to an apprentice rider of lesser experience to Senior riders
- The potential for such comments to give rise to negative perceptions in relation to the integrity of racing
- That the tactics adopted by Mr Sardelic in the race were not impacted by the unnecessary comments of Mr Rogers
- The need for the penalty to carry suitable deterrent value.
All trainers are reminded of the provisions of AR120A and that they should refrain from directing comments about tactics to other riders, even if intended in jest or as banter.
AR 120A Riding instructions
- A rider must not receive, directly or indirectly, instructions concerning the running or riding of a horse in a race in which the rider is declared to ride from anyone other than the trainer (or authorised agent) or an owner of the horse.
- A person must not provide, or offer to provide, to a rider, directly or indirectly, instructions concerning the running or riding of a horse in a race in which the rider is declared to ride, unless that person is the trainer (or authorised agent) or an owner of the horse.
- For the purposes of this rule:
a) “instructions” includes, but is not limited to, riding and/or tactical race instructions or directions, regardless of whether such instructions and/or directions are:
i) provided verbally, in writing, or otherwise;
ii) contained on a speed map; and
b) “instructions” does not include a speed map in respect of a race indicating only the likely pace in the race and/or the likely settling positions of runners in the race.