Victoria Racing chief steward Terry Bailey was close to tears on Thursday as he told a hearing about alleged threats to his family by disqualified jockey Danny Nikolic.
Bailey was giving evidence at a Victorian Civil and Administrative (VCAT) hearing of an appeal by Nikolic against a two-year ban from racing.
Bailey said Nikolic had made threats against his family during a race meeting at Seymour on September 4.
He said he had arranged for extra security at his home following the encounter.
And he came close to breaking down as he gave evidence about phoning his wife and discussing with her whether he should return home immediately.
Bailey told the tribunal he did not go home that evening but drove to Euroa to attend an important meeting the following morning.
Judge Michael McNamara called a brief break in proceedings to relieve tension in the room after Mr Jack Rush, QC, for Nikolic complained that instructors for Mr Phillip Dunn, QC, for Racing Victoria had left the room several times to go outside where other witnesses were waiting.
The court was told that the matter would take at least two weeks to conclude while a transcript of proceedings was sought before final submissions were made.
Bailey was questioned by Mr Rush again on Wednesday and accused of conducting a vendetta against Nikolic, which Bailey denied.
Nikolic has maintained that it was Bailey who had threatened him, promising to end his career.
AAP TURF
