Trainer Will Hulbert has had a $2000 fine reduced by half following an appeal over offensive language used in social media posts.
The Racing Victoria Tribunal on Wednesday ruled that Hulbert’s use of the words “retard” and “poof” on the Hulbert Racing X account was “understandable but not excusable” after his runner Lady Of Five was scratched from a Caulfield meeting on January 24.
Hulbert had been caught in heavy traffic on Melbourne’s Monash Freeway due to a series of crashes involving eight teenage boys who fled the scene, preventing him from travelling from Pakenham to Caulfield in time for the filly to contest the $250,000 Group 3 Blue Diamond Preview (1000m).
Initially, Hulbert pleaded not guilty to a charge of using language considered detrimental to the image and integrity of racing, describing the original $2000 penalty as an “absolute joke”.
He later changed his plea to guilty at a directions hearing, while maintaining his intention to challenge what he viewed as an excessive penalty.
The tribunal ultimately reduced the fine to $1000.
“The tribunal accepts that to train a horse for a particular race involving three months’ preparation, time and effort, the expenses are significant,” tribunal chairman Peter Reardon said.
“Then to have it blown up in your face, it may be an understandable reaction but it is not excusable.
“The tribunal is of the view that Mr Hulbert has hopefully learnt his lesson and will contain himself in the future if unanticipated problems arise, which in the racing industry is unfortunately bound to happen.
“There are many hard-luck stories in the racing industry however the tribunal expects participants to conduct themselves appropriately in public.”
Racing Victoria chief steward Rob Montgomery told the hearing that multiple factors were considered when imposing the original $2000 fine, including what he described as Hulbert’s “complete lack of remorse”.
