Harness Stewards Inquiry – Trainer/Driver S. Cook
Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA) Stewards have finalised an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Sheldon Cook failing to comply with a direction of the Stewards to assist the Veterinarian in completing a full examination of ARK and SPOILT TALK after they raced at Bunbury on 29 May 2020. An inquiry was also made into the failure of S. Cook to comply with a direction to attend to the Stewards prior to leaving the course at Bunbury on 29 May 2020.
Evidence was taken from S. Cook, Senior Steward C. Jasprizza and Steward T. Penny, and subsequently S. Cook pleaded guilty to two charges under Rule 238 which states:
238 A person shall not fail to comply with any order, direction or requirement of the Controlling Body or the Stewards in relation to harness racing or to the harness racing industry.
Charge 1 Particulars; that S. Cook, the trainer/driver of ARK and SPOILT TALK which raced at Bunbury on 29 May 2020, did fail to comply with a direction of Stewards T. Penny and C. Jasprizza by refusing to trot the horses up to allow the Veterinarian Dr C. Float to conduct a full veterinary examination.
Charge 2 Particulars: After being directed by Stewards T. Penny and C. Jasprizza to attend the Stewards room, S. Cook failed to do so and left the course.
Penalty:
Charge 1 – 18 months disqualification
Charge 2 – 12 months disqualification
Stewards directed that both penalties be served concurrently, resulting in S. Cook serving an 18 month disqualification. The disqualification will take effect from the date S. Cook was stood down, that being 29 May 2020.
In determining penalty Stewards took into account:
- The plea of guilt and his remorse.
- His limited involvement in the industry.
- The equine welfare issues that could arise by failing to comply with a direction to allow the Veterinarian to conduct a full examination of the horses.
- That S. Cook’s personal situation in no way takes precedence over the welfare of his horses.
- That RWWA and the Stewards are committed to ensuring that all Standardbreds receive the appropriate level of care and were prevented from achieving this due to S. Cook’s refusal to comply with a reasonable direction.
- That S. Cook’s failure to attend the Stewards room prevented the Stewards from inquiring into the circumstances in a timely manner and frustrated the Stewards inquiry.