abc.net.au/news/queensland-article-shell/101708392A Queensland racing steward called a photographer to ask them to remove an incriminating photo of a jockey from social media because it would bring the sport into disrepute, an inquiry has heard.
The so called "Birdsville inquiry", chaired by Queensland Racing Integrity Commission stewards, has been sitting in Brisbane examining the circumstances of the use of a jigger by a jockey at a western Queensland race meet in August. Stewards are described as the police of racing at events to ensure rules and regulations are adhered to.
Rion Hitchener, a senior steward based on the Gold Coast, flew into Birdsville and was one of three stewards responsible for the event. He told the inquiry that he called the photographer Sharon Lee Chapman to ask her to remove the image from social media so it would "not damage the industry".Graham Saunders, who runs the Saunders Racing Syndicate with his wife and son, was also subject to cross-examination by Barcaldine trainer Todd Austin's legal representative today.
An already broken industry. HorseRacing
Life ban from the sport should be instated for this sort of cruelty. Not just a $5000 fine
Remove the jockey, trainer & the steward from the industry permanently - the bloody grubs!!!
I hate horse racing 😤
Note, it's not the photo that damaged the industry. It's the cruelty
Lifetime nationwide ban!
Sure. Not only does it involve cruelty but it's a really bad bet. You can't tell me that a jokey can't easily control a horse to lose a race without any obvious detection. The jigger trick? It does the opposite. Gotta be mad to bet on anything with a human holding the reigns
Why don’t they teach them all about fitness and a turn of foot,I thought I done that 10 years ago
The typical industry response in terms of caring for the horse.
what is a jigger?
A measly $5k fine. Should have been banned for life, the grub.
If charges are laid?........Toss them out for life.
Good idea.