Troy Callaghan Fined $500 For Abusing Maitland Greyhound Track Officials
Greyhound Racing NSW Stewards conducted an inquiry at the Betchoice Gardens Greyhound Track this week into a complaint received from Maitland Greyhound Club Starter Mr Luke Kilby alleging an incident said to have occurred during the conduct of trials at the Maitland track on the evening of 17 November last year.
Evidence was taken from trainer Mr Troy Callaghan, Mr Kilby, and trainers Mr Keith Jarvis, Mr John Skelton and Mr Darryl Wilson.
The evidence disclosed that during the conduct of the public trials after the last race at the meeting held on 17 November, whilst in the vicinity of the starting boxes Mr Callaghan verbally abused Mr Kilby and then left the area to catch his greyhound. Allegations of physical contact could not be proven to the requisite degree.
Subsequently Mr Callaghan pleaded guilty to a charge under GAR 86 (g) of wilful abuse of an official of a Club. He was fined $500, with $200 of the penalty suspended for a period of 12 months on the condition that Mr Callaghan not offend under any conduct rule in that period. That period will expire at midnight on 10 January 2013.
In determining penalty Stewards took into account Mr Callaghan's previously unblemished record in relation to greyhound racing, the nature of the offence, previous penalties in relation to abuse of officials, and the particular circumstances giving rise to the incident. Notwithstanding these circumstances, Mr Callaghan was advised they 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.