O’Donnell Shaun Jnr Inq 6 June 2017
6 June, 2017
Thoroughbred
Stewards today conducted an inquiry into a report received from RWWA Senior Investigative Steward, Paul Criddle following a complaint lodged by a licensed thoroughbred trainer regarding the unauthorised use of his TABtouch betting account by licensed trackwork rider Shaun O’Donnell Jnr.
Mr O’Donnell subsequently pleaded guilty to a charge of improper conduct under AR.175(q) in that after being granted permission to access the account for the purpose of making a cash withdrawal as payment for future employment, he then improperly transferred further monies from the credit card linked to the account and made a number of cash withdrawals for betting purposes which were unauthorised and made without the knowledge and consent of the account holder. Mr O’Donnell was subsequently disqualified for a period of 12 months effective immediately.
When assessing penalty, Stewards took into account the following factors:
- The seriousness of the charge.
- Mr O’Donnell’s previous record which showed a similar offence.
- His guilty plea and personal circumstances.
Media Contact:
Brad Lewis – Chief Steward Thoroughbreds
Ph: 9445 5420
brad.lewis@rwwa.com.au