Racing NSW has suspended licensed stablehand Stephen Braybrook following an inquiry into two incidents involving a female racing industry participant at Randwick Racecourse.
Stewards investigated comments made by Braybrook concerning the participant, including a threat of physical violence and separate remarks relating to her suitability to ride a thoroughbred.
A brief of evidence compiled by Racing NSW investigator Ethan Pitt was tendered during the inquiry, while stewards also heard evidence from Braybrook and several other industry participants.
Following consideration of the evidence, Braybrook was issued with two charges under AR228(b), which relates to misconduct, improper conduct or unseemly behaviour.
The first charge related to an incident in early June 2026, when Braybrook was found to have engaged in improper conduct at Randwick by directing comments towards the female participant concerning her suitability to ride a thoroughbred.
The second charge stemmed from an incident on or about July 10, when Braybrook made a threat of physical violence concerning the same female industry participant.
Braybrook pleaded guilty to both charges and was found guilty on each count.
Stewards initially imposed a three-month suspension for the first charge and a one-month suspension for the second. Applying the principle of totality, they determined an overall three-month suspension was appropriate before reducing the penalty to eight weeks after taking Braybrook’s guilty pleas and other relevant considerations into account.
Under AR283(5), one month of that eight-week penalty was then suspended for 12 months on the condition Braybrook does not breach any related rule during that period.
As a result, Braybrook is required to serve a one-month suspension from August 25 until September 25, 2026, when he will be permitted to resume his duties.
In determining the penalty, stewards considered the seriousness of the conduct, precedent penalties, Braybrook’s personal and professional circumstances, his lengthy involvement in racing and the need for both specific and general deterrence.
Stewards also considered the role of penalties in protecting the image, interests and welfare of the thoroughbred racing industry.
Braybrook was advised of his rights of appeal.
