Latest News

Racing NSW Stewards have conducted an inquiry into a report provided by Racing NSW Chief Veterinarian, Dr Peter Curl in respect of an incident that occurred at Warwick Farm barrier trials on 15 August 2022 involving licensed trainer Jason Coyle, the trainer of LYKE MYKE which was found to be lame in the off foreleg after participating in Heat 10.

Stewards considered a brief of evidence provided by the Racing NSW Investigations & Surveillance Unit.

At Warwick Farm Racecourse on Wednesday, 14th September 2022, evidence was taken from Dr Curl, Mr Coyle, licensed stablehand Mr R Whakaue, who was attending to LYKE MYKE, and also from Racing NSW Stipendiary Steward Mr J Earl.

The following charge and penalty was issued against Mr Coyle.

Charge
AR 232 (b)  Failure to comply with the requirement of an official

The details of the charge being that he failed to comply with the requirement of Dr Curl for LYKE MYKE to remain in the unsaddling area for further assessment of the injury to its off foreleg, with the intention of providing the horse with pain relief and to allow the injured limb to be appropriately stabilised in order for the horse to be transported back to his stable by the horse ambulance.

Plea - Guilty

Penalty Considerations
The following penalty considerations were taken into account:

1. Early guilty plea and contrition shown.
2. Disciplinary record in respect of such matters.
3. Principles of specific and general deterrence and what message is sent to the industry in respect of such conduct.
4. Purpose of issuing penalties as a protective measure for the image and interests of the Thoroughbred racing industry.

Mr Coyle was fined the sum of $4500 reduced from $6000 for his guilty plea.

Relevant Rule
AR 232 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;