Harness stewards’ inquiry – trainer/driver Stephen Simms and trainer Ron Huston
Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA) stewards today concluded an inquiry into a report received from RWWA senior investigator, Mr Geoff Johnson regarding a verbal and physical altercation between trainer/driver Mr Stephen Simms and trainer Mr Ron Huston at the Byford Trotting Complex on the morning of Saturday, 18 December 2021.
The commencement of the inquiry was deferred after the incident was subject to a police investigation which was concluded with no further action being taken.
The inquiry was convened on Wednesday, 11 May 2022 with evidence taken from Mr Stephen Simms, Mr Ron Huston, and Byford Trotting Complex Curator, Mr Brad Bennetts in addition to statements from a number of witnesses who were present at the time of the incident.
The inquiry was subsequently adjourned on that day to allow stewards to consider the matter of penalty following Mr Simms and Mr Huston pleading guilty to the following charges of misconduct under HR 231 (2):
Mr Stephen Simms
Charge 1
HR231(2) with the particulars being that you Mr Stephen Simms misconducted yourself in that when driving a horse in the vicinity of the entrance and exit point of the track at the Byford Trotting Complex on the morning of Saturday 18 December 2021 you have deliberately steered that horse into Mr Ron Huston whilst he was seated in his sulky, resulting in contact to the sulky and body of Mr Huston.
Charge 2
HR231(2) with the particulars being that you Mr Stephen Simms misconducted yourself by engaging in a verbal and physical altercation with trainer Mr Ron Huston at approximately 9am at the Byford Trotting Complex on Saturday, 18 December 2021.
Mr Simms subsequently had his licence suspended for a period of six (6) months for each offence, with two (2) months of each of the penalties to be suspended for two years on the condition that he does not breach any of the conduct related rules throughout such period. In considering penalty, stewards considered numerous factors, including:
- Seriousness of the offence
- Principles of general and specific deterrent
- The detrimental effect of his actions on the image of racing
- His guilty plea, prior good record under this rule, personal circumstances, and level of remorse
Mr Ron Huston
HR231(2) with the particulars being that you Mr Ron Huston misconducted yourself being that you have engaged in a verbal and physical altercation with Trainer Mr Stephen Simms at approximately 9am at the Byford Trotting Complex on Saturday, 18 December 2021.
Mr Huston was subsequently fined the sum of $6000, with $2000 of that amount being suspended for a period of two years on the condition that he does not offend any conduct related rules throughout that period. When determining penalty, Stewards considered the following factors:
- The seriousness of the offence
- His guilty plea and prior good record
- His personal circumstances
- The detrimental effect of his actions on the image of racing