NSW stablehand banned for striking horse and racial remarks

Racing NSW has suspended licensed stablehand Kevin Harding for six weeks after he admitted to striking a horse with a towel and making a racially offensive remark towards fellow racing participants at Warwick Farm.

The sanctions follow a Racing NSW investigation into an incident that occurred at the Warwick Farm training centre on June 19.

Stewards found Harding guilty of improper conduct after reviewing CCTV footage and hearing witness evidence that established he struck a thoroughbred on the rump with a towel in a whipping motion while the horse was being led past the hose bays.

Stewards determined the conduct created an unnecessary risk to the horse, its handler and other participants in the immediate area.

Harding also pleaded guilty to directing the comment, “You are a guest in our country”, towards licensed foreperson Ashish Kumar and another racing participant.

Stewards found the remark insulted the recipients on the basis of their race, descent, national or ethnic origin.

For the improper conduct offence, Harding received a four-week suspension after stewards reduced the starting penalty of six weeks in recognition of his early guilty plea.

He was also suspended for three weeks over the racial vilification charge, with that penalty reduced from an initial four weeks following his admission.

One week of the second suspension will be served concurrently, resulting in a total suspension of Harding’s stablehand licence for six weeks.

In assessing the appropriate penalty, stewards considered Harding’s early guilty pleas, disciplinary record, personal and professional circumstances, the seriousness of the conduct and the importance of promoting a safe, respectful and inclusive workplace throughout the racing industry.