Fines Only For West’s Wauchope Greyhounds Blow Up
Greyhound Racing NSW Stewards on Friday 29 April conducted an inquiry into a report received from the Hastings River Greyhound Racing Club (HRGRC) and complaints received from participants alleging incidents said to have occurred at the HRGRC's meeting held at Wauchope on Saturday 12 February this year.
Evidence was taken from trainer Mr Barry West, Mrs Maureen West, attendant Joshua Clarke, HRGRC President Mr Rex Nairn, trainer Mr William Christie, trainer Mr William Davies, who is a Committeeman of HRGRC, trainer Mr Barry Harmey, who officiated as the kennel supervisor on the night in question, and trainer Mr Terry Hickson.
Written evidence was also tendered from Mr Sam Simonetta, Secretary of the Kempsey McLeay Greyhound Racing Club.
The evidence disclosed incidents of verbal misconduct and abuse by Mr West following the running of race one in and around the kennel block, and at around 8pm in the vicinity of the betting ring.
Subsequently Mr West pleaded guilty to a charge of misconduct under GAR 86 (o) in relation to his behaviour in the vicinity of the kennel block and, in particular, in directing words towards Mr Christie. He was fined $200.
He was found guilty of a further charge of misconduct under GAR 86 (o) in relation to verbal abuse of Mr Davies in the vicinity of the betting ring at around 8pm on the night in question. He was fined $400.
He also pleaded guilty to a charge of wilful abuse of an official under GAR 86 (g) in relation to verbal abuse of Mr Harmey in the vicinity of the kennel block after the running of race one. He was fined $200.
In determining penalty Stewards took into account Mr West's previously unblemished record in relation to greyhound racing over a long period of holding a licence, the nature of the offence, previous penalties in relation to misconduct and abuse of officials, and the particular circumstances giving rise to the incidents.
Notwithstanding these circumstances Mr West was advised that whilst some incidents may be a catalyst for certain behaviour, these matters do not constitute an excuse for such behaviour and that the standard of behaviour expected of licensed persons whilst attendant on racecourses goes beyond that expected from other attendees.