Latest News

Racing NSW Stewards today conducted an inquiry into comments made by licensed trainer Gary Portelli, which were distributed electronically to the ownership group of the racehorse Ruby Tuesday, following the mare racing at Rosehill Gardens on 6 October 2021.

Evidence today was taken from Mr Portelli.

Charge

Mr Portelli was charged with the following offence.

AR 228 Conduct detrimental to the interests of racing.

The details of the charge being that Mr Portelli did made comments in respect to the conduct of Race 3 at Rosehill Gardens on Wednesday 6 October 2021, that were prejudicial to the image and/or integrity of racing.

Plea: Guilty

Penalty

Stewards considered the following matters in respect to penalty.

1. Guilty Plea at earliest opportunity and contrition displayed.
2. Personal circumstances detailed by Mr Portelli.
3. Good record.
4. Principles applied by Stewards when issuing penalties as a protective order.

Stewards determined that the appropriate penalty was a fine of $3500, reduced from $5000 for Mr Portelli’s guilty plea and other considerations detailed above.

Relevant Rule

AR 228 Conduct detrimental to the interests of racing

A person must not engage in:

• conduct prejudicial to the image, interests, integrity, or welfare of racing, whether or not that conduct takes place within a racecourse or elsewhere.