Thoroughbreds – Stewards Inquiry – Mrs Alison Stone & Mr Darryl Stone
22 February, 2018
Thoroughbred
RWWA Stewards today continued with an inquiry into the conduct and behaviour of Mr Darryl Stone at the race meeting held at Bunbury Turf Club on 2 November 2017 and an allegation that he was handling a horse trained by Mrs Stone, namely TOMMY TWO GUNS on- course when not licensed. In addition, Stewards further inquired into the conduct and behaviour of Mr Darryl Stone at Bunbury Turf Club on 26 November 2018 and the circumstances surrounding the withdrawal of TOMMY TWO GUNS.
The inquiry commenced on 30 January 2018 where evidence was heard from Trainer Mrs Alison Stone, unregistered person Mr Darryl Stone, Thoroughbred Stipendiary Stewards Mr Douglas Mead, Mr Martin Vickers, Mr Chris Brown and Trainer Mrs Julie Mitchell. Following an adjournment and consideration of all the evidence presented, the following charges were laid against Mrs Alison Stone and Mr Darryl Stone;
Mrs Alison Stone;
First charge, under AR 175 (a) with the specifics of the charge being that, on 2 November 2017, prior to the commencement of race 6 at the Bunbury Turf Club, Mrs Alison Stone, being a registered person with RWWA and the trainer of TOMMY TWO GUNS, allowed unlicensed person Mr Darryl Stone to assist in saddling and lead TOMMY TWO GUNS, which in the opinion of the Stewards is considered to be an improper action in connection with racing.
The second charge, under rule AR 175 (a) with the specifics of the charge being that on 26 November 2017, prior to the commencement of race 6 at the Bunbury Turf Club, Mrs Alison Stone, being a registered person with RWWA and the trainer of TOMMY TWO GUNS, failed to prevent unlicensed person Mr Darryl Stone from entering a restricted area, namely the stall area and carry a gear bag for TOMMY TWO GUNS, after being directed by Chief Steward Mr Brad Lewis not to allow this conduct. In the opinion of the Stewards this was considered to be an improper action in connection with racing.
Mr Darryl Stone;
First charge, under AR 175 (a) with the specifics of the charge being that on 2 November 2017, Mr Darryl Stone being an unregistered person, did assist in saddling up and leading TOMMY TWO GUNS prior to the commencement of race 6 at the Bunbury Turf Club, which in the opinion of the Stewards is an improper action in connection with racing.
The second charge, under AR 175 (j) with the specifics of the charge being that on 2 November 2017, prior to the commencement of race 6 at the Bunbury Turf Club, Mr Darryl Stone, being an unregistered person, whilst leading TOMMY TWO GUNS in the vicinity of the stall area, did engage in the use of improper behaviour towards Stipendiary Steward Mr Doug Mead, in relation to his duties by stating to him inappropriate words and attempted to hand the lead rope to Mr Mead.
The third charge, under Australian Rule 175 (q), with the specifics of the charge being that on 2 November 2017, prior to the commencement of race 6 at the Bunbury Turf Club, Mr Darryl Stone, being an unregistered person, whilst in the vicinity of the mounting enclosure and in the presence of Stipendiary Steward Mr Martin Vickers, did use inappropriate words in relation to Stipendiary Steward Mr Douglas Mead, which in the opinion of the Stewards constitutes misconduct.
The fourth charge, under AR 175 (a) with the specifics of the charge being that on 26 November 2017, prior to the commencement of Race 6 at the Bunbury Turf Club, Mr Darryl Stone being an unregistered person, did carry a gear bag for Licensed Trainer Ms Alison Stone whilst in a restricted area, namely the stall area, which in the opinion of the Stewards is an improper action in connection with racing.
The fifth charge, under AR 175 (q) with the specifics of the charge being that on 26 November 2017, prior to the commencement of race 6 at the Bunbury Turf Club, Mr Darryl Stone, being an unregistered person, did enter a restricted area, namely the scales area and proceeded to record Steward Mr Doug Mead with his mobile telephone, which in the opinion of the Stewards constitutes misconduct.
The sixth charge, under AR 175 (q), with the specifics of the charge being that on 26 November 2017, prior to the commencement of race 6 at the Bunbury Turf Club, Mr Darryl Stone, being an unregistered person, did record Senior Steward Mr Chris Brown with his mobile telephone, in a restricted area, namely the Stewards room which in the opinion of the Stewards constitutes misconduct.
The inquiry resumed today where both Mrs Alison Stone and Mr Darryl Stone pleaded not guilty to all of the charges laid and provided additional evidence. At the request of Mr Darryl Stone, Deputy Steward Mr Bob Bursill also provided evidence at today’s hearing.
After hearing all the evidence, Stewards determined to adjourn the matter in order to consider all of the submissions, put by both Mrs and Mr Stone in defence to the charges.