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TRSA STATEMENT: JOSH CARTWRIGHT HEARING

Jockey Josh Cartwright’s license to ride has been suspended 18 months for reckless riding at a hearing held at Morphettville today. In addition, his trainer’s license was also suspended for a period of six months.

Cartwright pleaded guilty to a charge of reckless riding under AR137(a) for directing SENIOR COUNCIL at an acute angle with the intention of making contact with runners to his outside during Race 8 (MAC: Stop Drug Driving Handicap, 1250 metres) at Morphettville Parks on Saturday 14 January.

He was stood down from all riding activity with immediate effect and stewards adjourned the matter on penalty for further consideration.

TRSA stewards considered the matter today, with the hearing attended by Josh Cartwright and his legal representative Wayne Pasterfield.

TRSA Chairman of Stewards Johan Petzer said:
“Josh Cartwright has expressed sincere remorse since the incident and has cooperated fully with stewards at all times during the process. He has also been very open with stewards about a range of personal issues he felt contributed to his actions”.  

The welfare of participants in racing is always our absolute priority, and stewards have provided access to professional counselling and support appropriate to the situation since Saturday 14 January.  

Nevertheless, the panel felt that the degree of recklessness was in the extreme and that Josh Cartwright’s riding in this race could best be described as abhorrent and, arguably, the worst ever seen in Australia. Given the need for the penalty to act as a deterrent to all riders and to protect the image of racing, we could not afford any leniency in terms of the penalty.

Therefore, Josh Cartwright’s licence to ride in any activity other than track work on his property is suspended for 18 months (until midnight 13 August 2018). He can reapply to return to general track work in six months’ time, and can further apply to return to jump outs and trials in 12 months’ time. While his trainer’s license is suspended for six months, he is allowed to continue his activity as a horse breaker and pre-trainer.

The stewards felt this to be the most appropriate penalty for what was an unprecedented act of recklessness by a young man who has shown a great deal of contrition and remorse for his actions.”

Josh Cartwright has the right to appeal to the Racing Appeals Tribunal within seven days.

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