Gareth Miggins Fined $500 For Using Offensive Language
Racing Queensland (RQ) Stewards today inquired into comments made by licensed trainer Mr Gareth Miggins in response to an embargo being placed on his greyhound Rontagonal subsequent to it competing in Race 4 at the Rockhampton Greyhound Racing Club on Wednesday, 30 April 2014.
After taking evidence from Mr Miggins, Chief Steward Mr Garry Meek and official starter Ms Penny Taylor, Mr Miggins pleaded guilty to a charge under Greyhounds Australasia Rule of Racing 86 (f)(iv) which reads:
“A person (including an official) shall be guilty of an offence if the person engages in, publishes or causes to be published, broadcasts or causes to be broadcast, the use of any contemptuous, unseemly, improper, insulting, or offensive language, conduct or behavior in any manner or form towards, or in relation to any other person having official duties in relation to greyhound racing.”
The specifics of the charge being, that on Wednesday, 30 April 2014, Mr Miggins did misconduct himself by using offensive language in the presence of Mr Meek in response to an embargo being placed on his greyhound Rontagonal.
When considering an appropriate penalty, Stewards were mindful of Mr Miggins' unblemished record with regard to conduct matters, his forthright evidence and remorsefulness throughout the inquiry, however also recognised a need for a penalty to serve as a deterrent.
Mr Miggins was subsequently fined $500. Stewards ordered that $300 be suspended for 12 months, on the condition that Mr Miggins does not commit any further breaches of conduct related Rules.
Mr Miggins was advised of his appeal rights.