Trainer banned over assault of race club CEO

Kalgoorlie trainer Justin Robins has been disqualified for 12 months after admitting to assaulting Kalgoorlie-Boulder Racing Club chief executive Craig Smith.

Racing WA stewards finalised the matter this week following an inquiry into an incident that occurred in the KBRC stabling area on December 4, 2025.

Robins had been serving an interim suspension under Local Rule 22 since the day of the incident while the inquiry was conducted.

During the hearing, Robins pleaded guilty to a charge of improper conduct under Australian Rule of Racing 228(b) after assaulting Smith.

Stewards imposed a 12-month disqualification, backdating the penalty to December 4, 2025, when his licence was first suspended.

In addition, stewards activated a previously suspended $1,000 fine, which formed part of a $2,000 misconduct penalty imposed on Robins on February 18, 2025. Half of that fine had been suspended for a period of two years.

When determining the penalty, stewards considered the seriousness of the assault, Robins’ disciplinary history, which included two previous misconduct offences resulting in fines, and the importance of both specific and general deterrence.

They also took into account his guilty plea, expressions of remorse and penalties imposed in comparable cases.

Robins’ disqualification will remain in force until December 3, 2026.