Queensland apprentice cleared over white powder video

Queensland apprentice jockey Amy Graham has been found not guilty on appeal in a case stemming from a leaked video showing her snorting white powder at her private residence.

The Queensland Racing Appeals Panel (RAP) overturned her original charge under AR 228(a), which covers conduct considered prejudicial to the image or integrity of racing. In doing so, the panel cited a key precedent involving leading Victorian jockey Jamie Melham (née Kah).

In 2023, the Victorian Racing Tribunal ruled Melham could not be found guilty of bringing racing into disrepute because she did not know she was being filmed when video of her cutting lines of white powder was circulated online.

Delivering its decision on Wednesday, the RAP Panel stated the circumstances surrounding Graham’s case were materially similar.

“Kah was not aware she had been recorded,” the panel wrote. “The applicant’s (Graham’s) account, and the video itself, do not establish that the applicant knew she was being recorded as she consumed cocaine.”

The panel noted that Graham only became aware of the recording after the fact and had asked for the video to be deleted, believing that had occurred.

“The evidence does not establish to the required standard that the recording was made with her knowledge or consent… Like Kah, the publication of the video was done without her knowledge or approval.”

The panel also highlighted that the incident occurred in a private home and was not connected to race riding or other official racing matters.

“As in Kah, the applicant has behaved in a way that was foolish, reckless and risk-taking, but we are not satisfied to the requisite standard that it constitutes a breach of AR 228,” the panel concluded. “It would follow that the charge… should be dismissed.”

Graham is now cleared of the conduct charge, with the ruling marking a significant outcome for the young rider.