Thoroughbred stewards’ inquiry – jockey Ben Kennedy
Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA) stewards today convened an
inquiry into the circumstances concerning the provision of a urine sample by jockey
Ben Kennedy on Tuesday 1 February 2022 at the offices of RWWA.
Evidence was heard from RWWA Senior Investigative Steward Mr Paul Criddle and
Manager Stewards Inquiries/Licensing Mr John Zucal.
Mr Kennedy had been directed to attend the offices to provide a sample after riding
trackwork that day, where it was alleged he was in possession of a device intended
to be used to affect a substitution and had attempted to provide such substituted
sample.
Mr Kennedy accepted the evidence of both Mr Criddle and Mr Zucal and made full
and frank admissions with respect to the matters alleged.
Mr Kennedy subsequently pleaded guilty to a charge under AR139 (1)(b) with the
particulars of the charge being that when providing a sample of urine at the direction
of RWWA stewards at the offices of RWWA on 1 February 2022 he did substitute
such sample by way of a device that was found to be strapped to his body at the
time.
After hearing submissions in relation to penalty, the stewards reserved their decision
in order to consider the appropriate penalty.