Latest News

Mr John Georgatsoulis previously had an owner’s share in Overpass trained by licensed trainer Mr Bjorn Baker and managed by Mr Scott Darby, Managing Director of Darby Racing.

In July 2025, Mr Georgatsoulis was removed from the ownership of Overpass and provided with payment for his owners share.

About 4:26pm on Sunday, 5 October 2025, Mr Georgatsoulis sent a series of text messages to Mr Scott Darby containing improper, threatening, and insulting language. The messages included threats of physical harm and death, as well as references to the Hells Angels OMCG.

Mr Georgatsoulis also threatened to attend The Everest and cause harm to Mr Darby and Mr Baker.

Racing NSW Investigators commenced an investigation, conducted interviews with witnesses and obtained the relevant text message correspondence.

On 22 October 2025, as a result of the investigation, Stewards issued one (1) charge under AR228(b) against Mr John Georgatsoulis.

On 31 October 2025, Stewards conducted a hearing and determination of charges issued against Mr Georgatsoulis. Mr Georgatsoulis failed to attend as directed to do so. A brief of evidence compiled by Investigator Ben Lavorato was tendered.

Stewards adjourned the hearing and issued a further charge under AR232(h) against Mr Georgatsoulis. Officials issued Mr Georgatsoulis a direction to attend the hearing and determination of charges scheduled for 3 November 2025.

Stewards today conducted a hearing and determination of charges issued against Mr Georgatsoulis. Mr Georgatsoulis failed to attend as directed, and the matter was heard ex parte.

Charge issued against Mr John Georgatsoulis

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

The details of the charge being that, on Sunday 5 October 2025, he engaged in improper conduct by directing aggressive, threatening and improper language via text message towards Mr Scott Darby.

Finding: Guilty

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

The details of the charge being that on 31 October 2025, he did fail to attend a hearing when directed by the Stewards.

Finding: Guilty

Penalty

The following penalty considerations were taken into account:

- The lack of cooperation from Mr Georgatsoulis during the investigation and Stewards inquiries
- Precedent penalties
- Objective seriousness of the conduct
- Previous incidents reported to Racing NSW
- Mr Georgatsoulis 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) – 12 months disqualification of licence

Charge 2: AR232(h) – 6 months disqualification of licence

Stewards ruled that the total period of disqualification is 18 months to commence on 10 November 2025 to expire on 10 May 2027.

Under the powers afforded by AR283(7), Stewards ordered the commencement of the penalty be deferred for a period of seven (7) days.

Mr Georgatsoulis was advised of his 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:

(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)