A ''THROWAWAY line'' that racing stewards could not track a bleeding elephant through the snow has cost trainer Rod Douglas a $1000 fine, the second time in as many years he has been found guilty of making comments prejudicial to the image of racing, reports The Age.It says: The Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board yesterday found Douglas' comment, broadcast on the industry's pay-TV station TVN at the Mornington Cup meeting two weeks ago, had the clear inference ''that racing is run by incompet
A ''THROWAWAY line'' that racing stewards could not track a bleeding elephant through the snow has cost trainer Rod Douglas a $1000 fine, the second time in as many years he has been found guilty of making comments prejudicial to the image of racing, reports The Age.
It says: The Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board yesterday found Douglas' comment, broadcast on the industry's pay-TV station TVN at the Mornington Cup meeting two weeks ago, had the clear inference ''that racing is run by incompetent people''.
Douglas pleaded not guilty to the charge that his comment ''these blokes would have a bit of trouble tracking an elephant though the snow with a bleeding nose'' was an offence under racing rule 175A.
His legal representative, Cliff Pannam, QC, argued the comments did not dispute the character of the stewards and instead were made by one of racing's colourful characters and one who added diversity to the sport and entertainment for the public.
Board chairman Brian Forrest said he accepted Douglas was a colourful character but that he had a certain responsibility to the industry regarding his public comments.
Although the decision was the second time Douglas had a charge under the rule proven, his fine was less than his previous penalty. In April 2008, Douglas was fined $3000 by the RADB for calling stewards ''numbskulls'' after they were found to be in error over a mix-up concerning a supposed gear change for one of Douglas' horses.