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Inquiry into a complaint made by licensed stablehand Mr Andrew Petith against licensed foreperson rider Ms Kayla McEwen concerning her alleged conduct towards him in the vicinity of the tie-up stall area at Moruya Racecourse on the morning of 25 March 2023.

Racing NSW Stewards today inquired into a complaint made by licensed stablehand Mr Andrew Petith against licensed foreperson rider Ms Kayla McEwen concerning her alleged conduct towards him in the vicinity of the tie-up stall area at Moruya Racecourse on the morning of 25 March 2023.

Evidence was taken from licensed stablehand Andrew Petith, licensed foreperson rider Kayla McEwen, stablehand rider Ms M Wright, and licensed trainers Mr C Hensler, Mr K Cassidy and Ms L Morrison. Licensed trainer Mr M Gee also attended the inquiry as a support person for Mr Petith.

Charge
Ms K McEwen was found guilty of a charge under AR228(b) in that she did engage in improper conduct at approximately 8am on Saturday, 25 March 2023, in the vicinity of the tie-up stall area at Moruya Racecourse when she did, whilst mounted on the registered racehorse ‘Fifteen Black’:

1) turn her mount in the direction of licensed stablehand Mr Andrew Petith, who was on foot, and ride her mount in an aggressive manner attempting to make contact with Mr Petith in an attempt to frighten/intimidate Mr Petith.
2) attempt to strike Mr Petith with her whip in a frustrated and aggressive manner.

Penalty
Ms McEwen’s foreperson’s license was suspended in full for a period of two (2) months to commence immediately and to expire on 7 August 2023. The following matters were considered in assessing penalty:

1) Ms McEwen’s licensing history and disciplinary record
2) Her personal circumstances
3) The seriousness of the breach
4) Precedent penalties for like offences
5) The principles of individual and general deterrence

Relevant Rule
AR 228 Conduct detrimental to the interests of racing
A person must not engage in:
(b) misconduct, improper conduct or unseemly behaviour