Terry Mort Fined $2000 After Using Offensive Language
Report
Racing Queensland (RQ) Stewards today inquired into the conduct of licensed trainer Mr Terry Mort, after being directed to present his greyhound Stealthy Dancer by Steward Mr Jimmy Bauer, to the Club's Veterinarian for inspection at the Ipswich Greyhound Racing Club on 24 October 2014 following the running of Race 6.
After reviewing the race day recording, in addition to evidence submitted by kennel attendant Renn Mears, handler Sean Soar and Stipendiary Stewards Cameron Ferguson and Jimmy Bauer and hearing further submissions from Mr Mort, Stewards issued a charge under Greyhounds Australasia Rule of Racing 86 (f)(i) 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 a Steward.
The specifics of the charge being that Mr Mort, as the licensed trainer of Stealthy Dancer on Friday, 24 October 2014 following the running of Race 6 at the Ipswich Greyhound Club in the vicinity of the presentation area did, improperly conduct himself by using offensive language directed at Steward Mr Bauer, after being directed to present that greyhound to the Club's Veterinarian for inspection.
Mr Mort pleaded guilty to the charge as issued.
In considering penalty, Stewards considered Mr Mort's remorsefulness throughout the inquiry, his guilty plea and personal circumstances. Stewards were also mindful of penalty precedents for similar breaches of GAR 86(f)(i) and the detrimental effect serious breaches of the Rules, such as this, have on the racing industry which requires a significant penalty to act as an appropriate deterrent.
In all the circumstances Mr Mort was fined the sum of $1000.
A further fine of $1000 was imposed after Mr Mort breached a condition of a previous suspended penalty issued on 9 May 2014 relating to a conduct matter.
Mr Mort was advised of his appeal rights.
ARG Opinion
Although Terry Mort has prior offences relating to an altercation with Michael Campbell, this seems like an enormous fine for swearing at a steward. When you compare this fine to the fines awarded in high profile positive swab situations, it's absurd. Swearing is apparently a worse offence than racing a dog with “help”.
That’s why this sport is regulated.
James Weise
Lmao what did he say is what I want to know!!! Regulated my ass ppffttt..
That’s why this sport is regulated.
James Weise
Lmao what did he say is what I want to know!!! Regulated my ass ppffttt..