Racing NSW Stewards have concluded an inquiry into the conduct of licensed jockey Mikayla Weir in the scales area at Gunnedah Race Club following the running of Race 1 on 15 August 2023.
Stewards considered a brief of evidence prepared by Racing NSW Investigator N. Bourke as well as evidence from Mikayla Weir and apprentice jockey Lachlan Scorse who was assisted by Mr Corey Brown-Racing NSW Head Apprentice Jockey Coach.
After the consideration of all the evidence, Mikayla Weir was issued the following charge under AR228(b):
AR 228 Conduct detrimental to the interests of racing
A person must not engage in:
(b) misconduct, improper conduct or unseemly behaviour;
The particulars of the charge being that:
When present in the scales area following the running of Race 1 at the Gunnedah race meeting on 15 August 2023, whilst in view and earshot of the public and other industry participants, she did engage in misconduct by directing comments to, and or making comments about apprentice Lachlan Scorse that were improper.
Plea: Guilty
Stewards considered the following
Stewards considered the following matters when assessing penalty –
1. Nature of the offence & the explanation offered.
2. Mikayla Weir’s record in relation to conduct-related matters
3. Personal and professional circumstances.
4. Apprentice Lachlan Scorse’s inexperience in the racing industry and the effect such incidents may have on inexperienced apprentice jockeys.
5. The fact that the incident occurred whilst in the view of and earshot of industry participants and the public.
6. Principle of specific and general deterrence and what message is to be sent to the industry with respect to such conduct.
7. Purpose for issuing penalties as a protective measure for the image and integrity of the thoroughbred Industry.
Stewards determined that the appropriate penalty be a 2-week suspension of Ms Weir’s license to ride in races.
However, having regard to the mitigating factors, Stewards, acting under the powers of AR283(5) suspended 1 week of the penalty for a period of 2 years on the condition Ms Weir does not breach any conduct-related rules at that time.
Such suspension is to commence on Wednesday, 13 September 2023 and expire on Wednesday, 20 September 2023, on which day she may ride.
Stewards further ordered that a suspended penalty of $200 issued in respect of an improper conduct charge on 6 February 2022 would now be imposed upon Ms Weir.
Mikayla Weir was advised of her appeal rights.
