Thoroughbred stewards’ inquiry – jockey Shaun McGruddy penalty
Racing and Wagering Western Australia stewards have determined the matter of penalty following jockey Shaun McGruddy’s plea of guilty to a charge under AR 228 (e), which was issued at the stewards’ inquiry on 30 January 2024. The particulars of the charge related to Mr McGruddy, when riding Saulok in race five at Belmont Park on Wednesday 24 January 2024, verbally insulting apprentice Brandon Louis shortly after passing the winning post, while Mr Louis was acting in the course of his duties in the racing industry when riding Our Rocky Bay in that race.
After considering all submissions, the stewards determined the appropriate penalty to be a suspension of 12 weeks.
Acting under AR 283 (5) the stewards have also determined to suspend six weeks of this penalty for a period of two years subject to the following conditions.
- Receipt of a medical report from an appropriately qualified medical practitioner or sports psychologist confirming that Mr McGruddy has obtained suitable counselling or other assistance and that in their opinion he is fit to resume racing riding from both a physical and mental perspective.
- That he does not offend against any other conduct/behaviour related rules for the period of two years. Any such offence would immediately invoke a suspension of six weeks in addition to such other penalty that may be imposed for the specific offending.
Furthermore, the penalty is to be backdated to commence from the date Mr McGruddy stood himself down from race riding, that being 24 January 2024. Accordingly, subject to satisfying the conditions set out above, the penalty would expire at midnight, Wednesday 6 March 2024.
When determining penalty stewards considered, among other things:
- Mr McGruddy’s plea of guilty, remorse and apology for the conduct he engaged in.
- His personal circumstances and submissions including the severe impact that suspension represents financially to a rider of Mr McGruddy’s standing within industry.
- That the nature of the offending words was a serious matter.
- The potential and actual impact of these words on Mr Louis.
- The circumstances in which the words were said, whereby they were a spontaneous (albeit entirely unacceptable) statement made as result of Mr McGruddy experiencing interference in running.
- That despite the words being reactionary rather than premeditated, that as a professional jockey such language was unacceptable.
- The need for the penalty to serve as suitable deterrence.
- Past penalties issued in previous related cases.