TRAINER Tony Crane has been disqualified for three months after a trackwork incident at Beaudesert on November 10.
Racing Queensland stewards outed Crane, who is likely to appeal, for allegedly assaulting trackwork rider James Hepworth.
Below is the RQL Stewards' Report on the incident:
Racing Queensland Limited (RQL) Stewards today inquired into an alleged incident that occurred at trackwork at the Beaudesert race track on Saturday, 10 November 2012 involving licensed trainer Mr Tony Crane and trackwork rider Mr James Hepworth.
Evidence was heard from Mr Crane and Mr Hepworth along with licensed trainers Mr Doug Duryea, Ms Darlene Duryea, licensed stablehands Mrs Carol Duryea, Ms Renee McGill and Beaudesert track staff Mr Dudley Hearn and Mr Gilbert Bow.
After giving consideration to all of the evidence, Mr Crane was issued with a charge under AR175 (q) which reads:
The Principal Racing Authority or the Stewards may penalise any person who in their opinion is guilty of any misconduct, improper conduct or unseemly behaviour.
The specifics of the charge being that Mr Crane did conduct himself improperly towards Mr James Hepworth at the Beaudesert race club on the morning of Saturday 10 November 2012 by confronting and then physically assaulting Mr Hepworth by forcibly throwing him out of the horse stall area.
Mr Crane pleaded not guilty and made further submissions in response to the charge. After considering these submissions Stewards were satisfied that there was sufficient evidence for the charge to be proven to the required standard and Mr Crane was formally found guilty.
In considering an appropriate penalty Stewards considered the seriousness of Mr Crane’s conduct and that any penalty imposed should serve as a deterrent to him and all racing industry participants that this type of behavior will not be tolerated. Stewards also considered the relevant personal circumstances of Mr Crane and also his poor record regarding conduct related matters.
Stewards disqualified Mr Crane for a period of three (3) months to begin immediately and to expire midnight 20 February 2013.
Mr Crane was reminded of his obligations under AR182(1) of the impositions of a disqualified person.
Mr Crane was also advised of his appeal rights.