Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) stewards on Wednesday concluded an inquiry regarding an incident at the Warragul meeting on Sunday, October 19.
The inquiry, which was opened and adjourned on the day, related to the first race on the program and involved licensed reinsmen Nathan Murphy, driver of Blue Invasion, and Chris Alford, driver of Hiona Mountain.
At the inquiry evidence was taken from Mr Murphy, Mr Alford, HRV starter Shane Ticehurst and the security officer on duty at Warragul, Geoff Ferguson. Witness statements were also provided by Phillip Ellery, Ken Tippet and Daryl Porter.
Following evidence, Mr Murphy was charged under Rule 231(1) which states that a person shall not threaten, harass, intimidate, abuse, assault or otherwise interfere improperly with anyone employed, engaged or participating in the harness racing industry or otherwise having a connection with it.
Stewards alleged that Mr Murphy assaulted Mr Alford by striking him with a whip as the horses were leaving the track at the completion of race one.
Mr Murphy was further charged under Rule 231(1) in that he again assaulted Mr Alford adjacent to the drivers' room shortly after the previous incident by grabbing him in an aggressive manner causing him to fall to the ground.
Mr Murphy was further charged under Rule 243 which states that a person employed, engaged or participating in the harness racing industry shall not behave in a way which is prejudicial or detrimental to the industry.
By assaulting Mr Alford on two occasions, Mr Murphy was deemed to have behaved in a way that was prejudicial and detrimental to the harness racing industry.
Mr Murphy pleaded guilty to all charges and after hearing submissions the following penalties were issued:
- Under Rule 231(1) for the initial assault on Mr Alford - 6 months disqualification
- Under Rule 231(1) for the second assault on Mr Alford - 12 months disqualification
- Under Rule 243 for behaving in a detrimental manner - 12 months disqualification
Acting under Rule 257, stewards ordered that all penalties be served concurrently and that Mr Murphy's disqualification be effective immediately.
