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On 22 January 2025, Racing NSW Officials attended Griffith Racecourse to conduct routine compliance checks.

Racing NSW Officials observed Brock McDuff, who was previously refused by Racing NSW to hold a licence, riding Thoroughbred horse Sizzling Star which was in the care of licensed trainer, Gino D’Altorio. Mr Brock McDuff returned a short time later with Sizzling Star which had been unsaddled.

Investigators identified that Mr McDuff removed and concealed the saddle at another location when he was made aware of Officials’ attendance.

On 5 February 2025, Stewards opened an inquiry into the conduct of Gino D’Altorio and Eric Cashmere. Evidence was taken which revealed the conduct of Mr McDuff since he was refused a stablehand licence by Racing NSW on 18 December 2024 (see Stewards Report D’Altorio/Cashmere).

On 18 February 2025, Mr McDuff was directed to attend a Stewards Inquiry scheduled for 24 February 2025.

On 24 February 2025, Mr McDuff failed to attend as directed to do so. A brief of evidence compiled by Investigator Ms Anna Tabet was tendered, and on 24 February 2025 Racing NSW issued two charges against Mr McDuff under AR228(b) and AR232(h).

On 7 March 2025, Mr McDuff was directed to attend the hearing and determination of charges scheduled for 10 March 2025.

Racing NSW today conducted a hearing and determination of charges issued against Mr McDuff. Mr McDuff failed to attend as directed to do so and the matter was heard ex parte.

Charges issued against Mr Brock McDuff

Charge 1: A228(b) Conduct detrimental to the interests of racing
The details of the charge being that on 22 January 2025, Mr Brock McDuff did ride Thoroughbred horse Sizzling Star within the grounds of Griffith Racecourse after being refused a stablehand licence by Racing NSW on 18 December 2024. Mr McDuff further removed and concealed the saddle to avoid the Officials detection.

Finding: Guilty

Charge 2: AR232(h) Failure to observe processes and directions of PRAs or Stewards
The details of the charge being that on 24 February 2025, Mr Brock McDuff, did fail to attend a hearing when directed by the Stewards.

Finding: Guilty

Penalty

The following penalty considerations were taken into account -

- The lack of cooperation from Mr McDuff during the investigation and Stewards inquiries
- Precedent penalties
- Objective seriousness of the breaches
- Mr McDuff’s personal and professional circumstances,
- Purpose of issuing penalties as a protective measure for the image, interests and welfare of the Thoroughbred Racing Industry.

Charge 1: AR228(b) – 6 months disqualification of licence

Charge 2: AR232(h) – 6 months disqualification of licence

Stewards ruled that the total period of disqualification is 12 months to commence on 10 March 2025 and to expire on 10 March 2026 at which time he may reapply for a licence. Mr McDuff was advised of his appeal rights.

Relevant Rules

AR 228 Conduct detrimental to the interests of racing

A person must not engage in:

(b) misconduct, improper conduct or unseemly behaviour;

AR232(h) Failure to observe processes and directions of PRAs or Stewards

A person must not:

(h) refuse or fail to attend or give evidence at an interview, investigation, inquiry, hearing or appeal when directed or requested to do so by a PRA, the Stewards or a person authorised by a PRA or the Stewards

- D.R. Hadley (General Manager-Investigations, Racing NSW)