Queensland trainer fined for social media post

Racing Victoria stewards have fined a Queensland trainer following comments made on social media after a horse was scratched from racing at Caulfield on Saturday due to traffic delays.

Lady Of Five, trained by Peter Hulbert and his son Will, was withdrawn from the Blue Diamond Preview after the stable was unable to reach the course in time.

Stewards subsequently issued Will Hulbert with a $2000 fine for breaching Australian Rule of Racing AR228(a), which relates to conduct considered prejudicial to the image, interests or integrity of racing.

Hulbert has indicated he intends to appeal the decision, confirming that legal action will be pursued.

“100 per cent plan to appeal,” Hulbert told Betsy.

“Yeah I’ve got three days to lodge it with the Racing Victoria tribunal … Corey Cullen who owns horses with me is taking care of things.”

The penalty followed comments made via the stable’s X account after Lady Of Five was scratched.

“Lady Of Five is fine guys. We allowed 2 hours for a 50 minute trip to Caulfield and some retard crashed on the highway and stuffed everything. She will have a jump out Tuesday at Pakenham and race next weekend at Caulfield in the 1000m Group 3 Chairman’s,” the post read.

In a subsequent reply to another user, the account stated: “They’re everywhere might go jump in a machete bin so I don’t call anyone a poof.”

When questioned about the language used, the account later responded: “I chose it carefully. Cheers.”

Racing Victoria confirmed the fine was issued following a review of the social media posts and the circumstances surrounding the scratching.