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On 22 October 2025, Racing NSW Integrity commenced an investigation following a complaint regarding comments posted on the Facebook page Australian Horse Racing.

It was identified that an account under the name ‘Sarah Kellermeier’ had posted a comment, while engaging with other users, in relation to the disqualification of licensed jockey Mr James Innes Jnr. The investigation established that the Facebook account responsible for the comments belonged to licensed stablehand Miss Sarah Kellermeier.

The social media post in question concerned the investigation and subsequent disqualification of licensed jockey Mr James Innes Jnr. In follow-up comments made while engaging with members of the public, Miss Kellermeier posted improper comments that were prejudicial to the image, interests, integrity, and welfare of racing.

Miss Kellermeier has 1000 friends on Facebook, comprised of both industry and non-industry participants. Her involvement in the racing industry is apparent due to her listed work employment history on her Facebook page which is visible by members of the public.

On 23 October 2025, Miss Kellermeier took part in an interview with Racing NSW Investigator, Ms Anna Tabet. Following the interview, Miss Kellermeier was issued a direction to provide evidence of her Facebook account being compromised (hacked).

On 27 October 2025, Miss Kellermeier was directed to attend a Stewards inquiry scheduled for 10:00am on Wednesday, 5 November 2025. On 5 November 2025, Stewards conducted an inquiry into the alleged social media comments. Miss Kellermeier failed to attend the inquiry as directed to do so. A brief of evidence compiled by Investigator Anna Tabet was tendered.

Stewards adjourned the inquiry and issued three (3) charges against Miss Kellermeier as detailed below. Miss Kellermeier was directed to attend the hearing and determination of charges scheduled for 7 November 2025.

On 7 November 2025, Stewards conducted a hearing and determination of charges issued against Miss Kellermeier. Miss Kellermeier failed to attend as directed to do so and the matter was heard ex parte.

Charges issued against Miss Sarah Kellermeier

Charge 1: AR228(b) Conduct detrimental to the interests of racing

The details of the charge being that, on 22 October 2025, she engaged in conduct prejudicial to the image, interests, integrity, or welfare of racing conduct by posting a comment on social media platform Facebook when engaging with users in respect to a published article about the disqualification of James Innes Jnr.

Finding: Guilty

Charge 2: AR232(b) Failure to observe processes and directions of PRAs or Stewards

The details of the charge being that on 23 October 2025, she did fail to comply with a direction of General Manager – Investigations and appointed Steward, Mr Daniel Hadley.

Finding: Guilty

Charge 3: AR232(h) Failure to observe processes and directions of PRAs or Stewards

The details of the charge being that on 5 November 2025, she did fail to attend an inquiry when directed by the Stewards.

Finding: Guilty

Penalty

The following penalty considerations were taken into account:

- The lack of cooperation from Miss Kellermeier during the investigation and Stewards inquiries
- Precedent penalties
- Objective seriousness of the conduct
- Miss Kellermeier’s personal and professional circumstances
- Principle of specific and general deterrence and what message is sent to the industry in respect to such conduct
- Purpose of issuing penalties as a protective measure for the image, interests and welfare of the Thoroughbred Racing Industry.

Charge 1: AR228(b) – 4 months disqualification of licence

Charge 2: AR232(b) – 3 months disqualification of licence (to be served wholly concurrent with charge 3)

Charge 3: AR232(h) – 6 months disqualification of licence

Having regard to orders in respect of concurrency as set out above, Stewards ruled that the total period of disqualification is 10 months to commence on 7 November 2025 and to expire on 7 September 2026.

Mr Kellermeier was advised of her appeal rights.

Relevant Rules

AR 228 Conduct detrimental to the interests of racing

A person must not engage in:

 (b) misconduct, improper conduct or unseemly behaviour;

Division 6 – Misconduct by failure to observe official processes and directions

AR232(h) Failure to observe processes and directions of PRAs or Stewards

A person must not:

 (b) fail or refuse to comply with an order, direction or requirement of the Stewards or an official;

 (h) refuse or fail to attend or give evidence at an interview, investigation, inquiry, hearing or appeal when directed or requested to do so by a PRA, the Stewards or a person authorised by a PRA or the Stewards

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