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An inquiry was today conducted into the conduct of licensed trainer Mr Stephen Dixon towards Mr Kyle Blanch (acting H&NW Region Chairman of Stewards), during the Tamworth race meeting held on Sunday, 24 December 2023.

Evidence was taken from Mr Stephen Dixon, Mr Kyle Blanch, Ms Sarah Morrish (Stipendiary Steward H&NWR Region/Provincial) and apprentice jockey Cobi Vitler and a brief of evidence was also tendered at the inquiry.

Charge – AR228(c) – Improper behaviour towards the Stewards

The particulars of the charge being that licensed trainer Mr Stephen Dixon did engage in improper behaviour towards Stipendiary Steward Mr Kyle Blanch in relation to his functions as the Chairman of Stewards at the Tamworth race meeting on Sunday, 24 December 2023 by reason of one or any combination of two or more of the following:

• He is a licensed trainer.
• On the afternoon of Sunday, 24 December 2023, he attended the Tamworth race meeting where he had entered the horse Benatari in Race 4 (Benchmark 66 Handicap).
• Between races 4 and 5 at approximately 4pm he attended the Stewards Room after being informed of the decision by Stewards to place an embargo on Benatari for its behaviour at the start of Race 4.
• Whilst present in the Stewards Room, Mr Dixon did, in an aggressive manner, direct inappropriate language toward Mr Blanch.
• Further, whilst present in the Stewards room, Mr Dixon did, in an aggressive manner, direct additional inappropriate language toward Mr Blanch.
• When leaving the Stewards room, and when immediately asked to return to the room by Mr Blanch, Mr Dixon did, in view of industry participants, and in an aggressive manner, direct inappropriate language toward Mr Blanch.

Plea:  Guilty

PENALTY

In assessing penalty, Stewards took into consideration the following matters:

• Guilty plea.
• Mr Dixon’s 25 years as a licensed trainer.
• Mr Dixon’s disciplinary history which included a conduct related breach of the Rules in 2014.
• Precedent penalties.
• The serious nature of the offending.
• The principle of specific and general deterrence and what message is sent to the industry that such conduct will not be tolerated.
• That penalty must act as a protective measure for the image and interests of the thoroughbred industry.

Stewards considered that the appropriate penalty to be imposed be a four-month suspension of Mr Dixon’s trainer’s licence.

However, taking into account Mr Dixon’s guilty plea, a 25% discount was applied reducing the penalty to a three-month period of suspension to commence immediately and to expire on 5 April 2024.

Stewards acting under AR283(7) deferred the commencement of the suspension for a period of 7 days to allow Mr Dixon to facilitate the transfer of racing stock from his care.

Mr Dixon was advised of his right of appeal.

Relevant Rules

AR 228 Conduct detrimental to the interests of racing

A person must not engage in:

(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;

AR283(7)

(7) A person or body authorised by these Australian Rules to suspend or disqualify any trainer may defer the commencement of the period of suspension or disqualification for no more than 7 clear days following the day the suspension or disqualification was imposed, and upon terms and conditions considered fit.