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Racing NSW Stewards have inquired into the evidence provided by licensed trainer Laura McCullum during a telephone interview with Southern District Chief Steward, Jason Shultz on Monday, 22 June 2020, in respect to her attendance at Wodonga Racecourse and the potential breach of Racing NSW COVID-19 policy.

Ms McCullum pleaded guilty to a charge under AR232(i) in that she did provide evidence to Stewards during a telephone interview on Monday, 22 June 2020, in respect to her attendance at Wodonga trackwork in the knowledge such evidence was false.

Penalty
Having regard to precedent penalties and the principles associated with a breach of this rule, the Stewards have determined the starting point for this breach is a period of six months' disqualification.

Having regard to Ms McCullum’s guilty plea, personal circumstances and that this was Ms McCullum’s first breach under this rule, the Stewards have determined the appropriate penalty is that she be disqualified for a period of four months to commence on 24 July 2020 and to expire on 24 November 2020, on which day she may reapply for a licence.

In accordance with the provisions of AR283(7) & (8), the commencement of the disqualification was deferred for a period of seven days, however, during this period Ms McCullum is not to start a horse in a race.

Ms McCullum was advised of her right of appeal.

Relevant Rules
AR 232 Failure to observe processes and directions of PRAs or Stewards
A person must not:
(i) give any evidence at an interview, investigation, inquiry, hearing and/or appeal which is false or misleading.