Two harness racing trainers disqualified from industry after club house brawl

The Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) on Wednesday advised that two New South Wales harness racing trainers have been disqualified from the industry, after a club house brawl at Albion Park Raceway Creek Bar last month.

Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) stewards handed down the penalty to harness trainer driver Jason Grimson and trainer driver Jack Trainor at an inquiry on Tuesday.

The disqualification places significant restrictions on the two men, including that they cannot participate in the industry, associate with people connected to the industry, or enter any racetrack in the world for the disqualification period.

Mr Grimson was disqualified for 12 months, while Mr Trainor was disqualified for three months for his part in the brawl.

Harness racing owner Justin Downey was warned off for 12-months, which carries the same strict restrictions as a participant disqualification.

Brisbane Racing Club employee Adam Russo also faced the inquiry, and he was warned off for six months.

At the steward’s inquiry in Brisbane, QRIC Chief Harness Steward David Farquharson said the strong penalties were appropriate for the display of unacceptable behaviour.

“After a successful Winter Carnival, the incident had brought the industry down at a time when it should be celebrated,” Mr Farquharson said.

The participants have an appeal avenue via the Racing Appeals Panel, should they wish to exercise it.

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by the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission, reprinted with permission from the Thoroughbred News