Thoroughbred Stewards Inquiry – Owner Mr Duncan Miller
Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA) Stewards have concluded an inquiry into a report from Senior Thoroughbred Steward Mr Chris Brown regarding the conduct of Owner, Mr Duncan Miller, who made threatening comments towards him at the Lark Hill Training Complex on Tuesday 9 June 2020.
An inquiry into this incident commenced on Friday, 26 June 2020 which Mr Miller failed to attend. Mr Miller was subsequently charged with two offences as detailed below and was found guilty to Charge 1 and pleaded guilty to Charge 2.
Charge 1. Division 6 – Misconduct by failure to observe official processes and directions
AR 232. Failure to observe processes and directions of PRAs or Stewards
A person must not:
(h) refuse or fail to attend or give evidence at an interview, investigation, inquiry, hearing or appeal when directed or requested to do so by a PRA, the Stewards or a person authorised by a PRA or the Stewards.
Particulars:
Mr Miller failed to attend a Stewards Inquiry held on Friday, 26 June 2020 as directed by Mr Brad Lewis, Chief Steward Thoroughbred in a letter dated 15 June 2020.
Penalty Imposed: 6 months disqualification
Charge 2. Division 3 – Conduct detrimental to the interests of racing
AR 228. Conduct detrimental to the interests of racing
A person must not engage in:
(c) improper or insulting behaviour at any time towards a PRA, the Stewards, a Club, or any official, employee, contractor or agent of any of them in relation to the relevant person’s functions, powers or duties.
Particulars:
Engaged in improper behaviour towards Senior Steward, Mr Chris Brown at the Lark Hill Training Complex on the morning of Tuesday, 9 June 2020 by using profanities and making threatening comments.
Penalty Imposed: 12 months disqualification
The penalties were ordered to be served concurrently and are effective immediately.
When assessing penalty, Stewards took into account the following factors:
- The seriousness of the offences.
- The need for specific and general deterrence.
- Mr Miller’s disciplinary history.
- His guilty plea in relation to Charge 2.