Latest News

Background

On 25 March 2025, Racing NSW Officials attended the registered stable address of licensed trainer Stephen Dixon at Meadows Lane, Tamworth for the purpose of conducting a stable inspection.

During the stable inspection it was identified that Mr Dixon’s treatment records were not on the premises and kept within a caravan at an address in Inverell. As a result, Mr Dixon was asked to provide the treatment records by Friday, 28 March 2025.

At 8:37am on Saturday, 29 March 2025, Mr Dixon met with Racing NSW Investigator Nikki Burke at Tamworth Racecourse where he produced the treatment records.

At this time, Mr Dixon took part in an electronically recorded interview in respect to the contents of the treatment records. During the interview, Mr Dixon became irate and acted in an aggressive manner while directing improper and insulting comments towards Racing NSW Investigator Nikki Burke.

Mr Dixon ended the interview prematurely and walked away. A short time later, Mr Dixon returned and threw his Racing NSW identity card on the table stating, “No longer a trainer”.

At 12:10pm on 29 March 2025, Stewards issued a charge against Mr Stephen Dixon under AR228(c) and on 31 March 2025 enacted the provisions of AR23, suspending Mr Dixon's Trainer's Licence, pending the hearing and determination of the charge.

At 12:08pm on 31 March 2025, Racing NSW Stewards ordered the scratching of Pollyanna’s Best, Tiny Missile, Flying Banjo, Dancelittlesister and Laser Guided Girl (emergency) who were engaged to race at Tamworth on 1 April 2025.

Racing NSW Stewards today conducted a hearing to determine the charge issued against Mr Stephen Dixon. A transcript of interview was tendered and oral evidence was taken from Mr Dixon.

Charges issued against Mr Stephen Dixon

Charge 1: AR228(c)

The details of the charge being that, on 29 March 2025 during an electronically recorded interview, he engaged in improper and insulting behaviour by directing aggressive, improper and insulting comments language towards Racing NSW Official Nikki Burke during the course of her duties.

Plea: Guilty

Penalty

The following penalty considerations were taken into account:

- Guilty plea was entered at the earliest opportunity
- Objective seriousness of the breaches
- Previous breach of AR228(c) in December 2023
- Mr Dixon’s personal and professional circumstances
- Principles of specific and general deterrence and what message is sent to the industry in respect to such conduct,
- The purpose of issuing penalties as a protective measure for the image, interests and welfare of the Thoroughbred Racing Industry

Charge 1: AR228(c) – 12 months suspension of licence reduced to 9 months.

Stewards ruled the total period of suspension be 12 months. Having regard to his guilty plea other relevant considerations, Stewards varied the penalty to 9 months, to commence on 31 March 2025, being the date Mr Dixons’ licence was suspended under the provisions of AR23, and to expire on 31 December 2026.

Mr Dixon was advised of his rights of appeal.

Relevant Rules

AR 228 Conduct detrimental to the interests of racing

(a) conduct prejudicial to the image, interests, integrity, or welfare of racing, whether or not that conduct takes place within a racecourse or elsewhere;
(b) misconduct, improper conduct or unseemly behaviour;
(c) improper or insulting behaviour at any time towards a PRA, the Stewards, a Club, or any official, employee, contractor or agent of any of them in relation to the relevant person’s functions, powers or duties

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