Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Stewards have today concluded an Inquiry following an investigation in relation to the conduct of licensed participant Rodney Coelli, during a Stewards Inquiry held at the Leeton Harness Racing Club meeting on 1 January 2022.
HRNSW Stewards issued the following two charges against Mr Coelli pursuant to Australian Harness Racing Rules (AHRR)
Charge 1- Issued pursuant to AHRR 231(2)
AHRR 231 (2) A person shall not misconduct himself in any way
The particulars of the charge outlined that Mr Coelli had misconducted himself during an inquiry at Leeton on 1 January 2022 in relation to the whip use he displayed on the gelding ALL GOOD.
Charge 2- Issued pursuant to AHRR 247
AHRR 196A A person attending before the Controlling Body its members or employees, the Stewards, officials, or at any proceeding under these Rules, shall not speak or behave in a malicious, intimidatory or otherwise improper manner
The particulars of the charge, stated that Mr Coelli had behaved in an improper manner towards Steward Mr Shaun Snudden during an inquiry at Leeton on 1 January in relation to the whip use displayed on the gelding ALL GOOD
Mr Coelli plead guilty to both charges.
Consequently, HRNSW Stewards imposed the following penalties upon Mr Coelli:
Charge 1- $1000 fine, $500 of which was wholly suspended on the condition that Mr Coelli does not breach any conduct related rules for a period of 2 years
Charge 2- $2000 fine, $500 of which was wholly suspended on the condition that Mr Coelli does not breach any conduct related rules for a period of 2 years
In considering penalty Stewards were mindful of the following;
- Mr Coelli’s guilty pleas which reflects some level of acceptance and remorse for his conduct
- The seriousness of the offences;
- Conduct of this nature has no place in the Harness Racing Industry;
- Mr Coelli’s personal circumstances
- Mr Coelli’s licence history and offence record
Mr Coelli was advised of his right to appeal these decisions.
