Latest News

James Dobie Registered stablehand-rider James Dobie lodged an appeal against penalty after being found guilty by the Stewards of a breach of AR81A(1)(a).

On 31 March 2017 Mr Dobie was suspended by HNWRA Stewards for a period of 12 months, backdated to commence on 20 February 2017 expiring 20 February 2018. A stay of proceedings was not sought. This Appeal was heard on Thursday 11 May 2017 at the office of Racing NSW.

The Panel gave the following orders: 1. Appeal against severity of penalty dismissed 2. Penalty of 12 months suspension backdated to commence on 20 February 2017 confirmed 3. Penalty provisions of stewards varied (under AR196(4)/AR81D) such that if the appellant satisfactorily completes a course of professional counselling (details to be published in the Panel’s reasons), 6 months of the suspension is suspended, (in lieu of the Stewards decision of 3 months suspended), allowing the appellant to resume riding on 20 August 2017 (in lieu of the Steward’s date of 20 November 2017 if counselling completed) 4. Appeal Deposit forfeited.

Reasons for Decision is yet to be published.