Thoroughbred Stewards Inquiry – Mr Brayden Gaerth
RWWA Stewards have concluded an inquiry concerning former Apprentice Jockey and Track Work Rider Mr. B. Gaerth.
At the inquiry conducted on Monday 18 May 2020 Mr Gaerth pleaded guilty to the following charges and has been issued the penalties as indicated.
Charge 1 – 229 (h) Corruption, dishonesty and misleading behaviour.
Particulars: That he did make a false declaration within his Track Work Riders Application (Exhibit 2 – Annexure 10) of 2016 by indicating “No” to whether he had been convicted of any criminal offence.
Penalty: 3 months disqualification
Charge 2 – 232 (i) Failure to observe processes and directions of PRA’s or Stewards
Particulars: That he did during the inquiry conducted on 18 May 2020, give false evidence by stating he did not handle horses at racetracks in the UK whilst disqualified.
Penalty: 6 month disqualification
The inquiry also found that Mr Gaerth had breached the restrictions of disqualification by undertaking activities in racing in Great Britain, during the time he was serving a two (2) year disqualification as a result of providing a urine sample found to contain a banned substance at trackwork on 5 May 2017.
Accordingly pursuant to LR263A, the two (2) year period of disqualification was recommenced with effect from 17 May 2019 being the most recent date of contravention of the restrictions of disqualification.
The disqualifications imposed in relation to the two charges issued at the inquiry are to be served concurrently and will therefore be effectively served within the period of disqualification that has been recommenced and expires on 16 May 2021.
In determining this matter the Stewards took into account several aspects including;
- The pleas of guilt, prior record and the personal circumstances that applied.
- Range of penalties issued under commensurate rules previously.
- Evidence demonstrating that Mr Gaerth was directly involved in Thoroughbred Racing in Great Britain whilst disqualified, including handling race horses at race meetings.
- The mandatory elements of LR263A which state that if a person breaches the restrictions of disqualification the disqualification shall automatically be deemed to recommence as from the most recent date of such contravention.
- The need to maintain the integrity of penalties issued and that they must be served in accordance with the Rules and cannot be avoided by participating in the racing industry in other jurisdictions.