HRSA Stewards concluded an inquiry into the conduct of trainer Lui Trotta.
Background
On 9 December 2015 HRSA Stewards opened into inquiry into an allegation that Lui Trotta had verbally abused licenced persons David Harding and Les Harding. Evidence was taken from David Harding (by written statement), Les Harding and Lui Trotta. The inquiry was adjourned to allow Mr. Trotta to contact his witnesses.
On 18 January 2016 a complaint was lodged by trainer C. Goble regarding the conduct of Mr. Trotta toward her.
On 19 January 2016 the inquiry was resumed. Mr. Trotta requested a further adjournment to allow him time to re-contact his witnesses and requested that the Chair of Stewards, Barbara Scott disqualify herself from the inquiry on the grounds that he would be denied natural justice as she had pre-determined guilt. The inquiry was adjourned to allow Mr. Trotta to re-contact his witnesses and for the stewards to consider the application that Ms. Scott disqualify herself. Mr. Trotta was advised that if he came before stewards in the following 14 days on any conduct related matter, he would be stood down under Rule 183 and the inquiry would resume immediately.
On 1 February 2016 a complaint was made by driver M. Harding regarding the conduct of Mr. Trotta toward him. Further Mr. Trotta verbally abused HRSA Steward/Starter Mr. Chris Jasprizza.
On 2 February 2016 Mr. Trotta was stood down under Rule 183. The inquiry was set for Thursday 4 February 2016. Further Mr. Trotta was advised that his application to disqualify Ms. Scott from the inquiry was denied. (the reasons for this can be found at http://www.saharnessracing.com/site/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Lui-Trotta-application-to-disqualify-Barbara-Scott.pdf
The inquiry resumed on 4 February 2016. Mr. Trotta was charged under Rule 231(2) which states:
A person shall not misconduct himself in any way
The particulars being that Lui Trotta was verbally abusive toward licenced persons David Harding, Les Harding, Clare Goble, Michael Harding and HRSA Official, Chris Jasprizza.
In determining penalty stewards took into account Mr. Trotta’s personal circumstances and his admittance of the breach. However stewards were mindful that Mr. Trotta had a poor record in relation to misconduct and that in a 10 year period whilst licenced, he had served a total of 66 weeks suspended for conducted related offences.
Mr. Trotta was disqualified for 12 months. Stewards ordered that a $700 fine that was suspended from a conduct related charge in July 2015 on the condition that he not reoffend in the following 12 months, now be imposed.
