Thoroughbred Stewards Inquiry Mr. G Jordan
RWWA Stewards concluded an inquiry on Wednesday into a report received from RWWA Senior Investigative Steward Mr. Paul Criddle dated 24 August, 2018 regarding a complaint lodged by Trackwork Rider, Ms. H Wheeler against Trainer Mr. Graham Jordan in relation to an incident that occurred at Ascot Trackwork on Thursday, 23 August 2018.
After receiving this report, Mr. Jordan’s licence was suspended under the provisions of LR 10 (d) pending the outcome of the inquiry.
The inquiry commenced on Monday, 3 September 2018, and after hearing evidence from Mr Jordan and Ms. Wheeler, Mr. Jordan was charged with an offence under AR.175 (a) for an improper action in connection with racing, in that he approached Ms. Wheeler and requested her to engage in future conduct using a modified whip which, in the opinion of the Stewards was improper.
Ms. Wheeler refused to carry out the request and then reported the matter to the Stewards.
Mr Jordan pleaded not guilty to the charge and an adjournment was granted to allow him to seek legal advice.
The inquiry reconvened on Friday, 28 September 2018, and after taking further evidence from Mr Jordan he was found guilty of the offence and submissions were then heard on penalty.
After due consideration, Mr Jordan was disqualified for a period of two (2) years.
When considering penalty, the following factors were taken into account:
- The very serious nature of the charge in that it involved a request of another person to carry out the offence through the use a modified whip at trackwork.
- The need for deterrence both general and specific to reinforce and maintain the high standards of animal welfare applying within the racing industry as a whole.
- His prior record and personal circumstances.
Media Contact:
Brad Lewis- Chief Steward Thoroughbreds
Ph: 9445 5420
brad.lewis@rwwa.com.au