WA Greyhound Trainer Bradley Cook Disqualified For 12 Months For Non Payment Of Owners Prizemoney
WA Greyhound Racing Stewards yesterday concluded an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the outstanding stakes payment to Owner Mr Robert Maher (COCCOLICIOUS) and the interview that was conducted in relation to this matter between Owner/Trainer Mr B Cook and Deputy Chief Steward, Mr M Kemp, at Greyhounds WA Cannington on the 28th March 2012.
This inquiry was conducted over several sittings where evidence was heard from Owner/Trainer Mr B Cook, Deputy Chief Steward – Greyhounds Mr M Kemp and Owner Mr R Maher.
Mr Cook was found guilty under Rule 86 (e) in that he failed to provide documentary evidence to the inquiry as directed by the Stewards in relation to payments said to have been made to Mr Maher. He was subsequently disqualified for a period of twelve (12) months.
Mr Cook was also found guilty under Rule 86 (d) for making a misleading statement to the Stewards that he had paid Mr Maher his share of the prize money in relation to the greyhound COCCOLICIOUS on the 24th and 25th February 2012, when he had not. He was subsequently disqualified for a period of twelve (12) months.
When considering penalty Stewards took into account the following:
- That this was Mr Cook's third similar offence in relation to Rule 86 (e)
- Mr Cook's personal circumstances
- The seriousness of the offences
- The circumstances surrounding the commission of the offences
Both penalties are to be served concurrently.
Due to Mr Cook's Owner/Trainer licence having been suspended since the 3rd May 2012 pending the outcome of this inquiry, as a result of him failing to produce the documents as directed, the penalties have been backdated to 3rd May 2012 and will now expire at midnight on the 2nd May 2013.