A regional trainer involved in an altercation with a Racing NSW investigator has been disqualified from the industry for two years.
Craig Roberts fronted a six-hour stewards’ inquiry over the incident at Newcastle racecourse before being found guilty and rubbed out.
Craig Roberts and his wife Carolyn gave evidence at Wednesday’s inquiry.Credit:
The NSW Central Coast trainer, whose small stable took on such heavyweights of the sport as Chris Waller on the day of the bust up, was banned after being charged with four offences, two of improper behaviour, as well as obstructing an investigator from carrying out their duties and failing to follow their instructions.
Roberts was accused of intentionally pushing past racing integrity unit officer Nikki Burke, causing pain to her wrist as he led a horse past her, and of pinning a door of his truck on her as she conducted a float inspection.
Racing NSW said stewards had formed a view that Roberts’ “continued participation in the thoroughbred industry posed an unacceptable risk of prejudicing the image, interests, integrity or welfare of racing”.
Roberts contested Burke’s version of events, claiming she didn’t identify herself as she began carrying out checks of his bag and truck, and alleging the investigator raised her forearm to the throat of his wife Carolyn as she grabbed the lead of a horse from her.
The couple reported the alleged assault to NSW Police, which has said it is investigating.
The Racing NSW investigator – a former police officer – denied touching Roberts’ wife.
The penalty means Roberts will have to sell the two horses he owns and trains, and offload the other two he has in work for other owners. He is also not allowed on a racecourse and would have to reapply for his licence after two years.
“It will financially ruin me,” he said. “I’m 63 years old. Where am I getting a job? I’m not allowed near a thoroughbred for a start. This is all I know.”
The inquiry heard from several witnesses, including Roberts.
Roberts was also accused of speaking to Burke aggressively and ignoring multiple directions to report to the stewards’ room, allegedly telling the investigator: “Get stuffed, I can do what I want.”
Trainers association chief executive Richard Callender was “most disappointed” with the outcome.
He said he sat through the entire hearing and believed there was enough conflicting evidence that it was difficult to be satisfied with what occurred.
“I was totally surprised at the verdict when it was handed down,” he said. “I didn’t even sleep last night, I was so upset for him. I thought it was very heavy-handed.”
Roberts was not permitted legal representation at the stewards’ inquiry under racing rules, but can have a lawyer if he fights the decision and sanction before an independent appeal panel.
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