3 minute read
Riders Jack Martin and Kayla Nisbet are facing extended periods on the sidelines.
Jockey Jack Martin has been disqualified for more than four months and fellow rider Kayla Nisbet two months at the conclusion of a Racing NSW stewards' inquiry into their conduct.
Owner and professional punter Jacob Hoffman was also outed for an extended period in relation to his involvement in the matters.
Stewards on Wednesday issued Martin with a disqualification of four months and one week after he was found guilty on three separate charges, including giving false or misleading evidence at a stewards' inquiry and conduct prejudicial to the image and integrity of racing.
He was also charged with wagering on races via a family member's Sportsbet account, for which he was hit with a further six-week suspension.
Martin's penalties will begin immediately and he can return to the saddle on July 3.
Nisbet was charged with accepting $1000 in cash from Hoffman, via a known associate, after Hoffman profited from her winning ride on Smuggler's Bay at Wagga in May, 2021.
She was also charged with providing false or misleading evidence at the initial stewards' inquiry into the matter.
Nisbet pleaded guilty to both charges and was suspended for two months, starting immediately and expiring on March 18.
Stewards, led by chief stipe Steve Railton, issued seven charges against Hoffman, including that of engaging in conduct which led to a breach of the racing rules, whereby he gave Nisbet $1000 in connection with a horse in a race without the consent of racing officials.
Hoffman was disqualified for nine months and one week, with the penalty to start immediately and expire on October 22.
The penalties follow the disqualification earlier this week of top jockey Tommy Berry.
Berry was charged with six offences, including accepting a consideration for a horse in a race without the permission of stewards, and using a mobile phone in the jockeys' room on multiple occasions.
Berry was ruled out for 11 months and two weeks on four of the charges and suspended for a further six weeks in relation to his mobile phone infringements.
His penalty is due to expire on January 28 next year, although it is understood Berry will be appealing the decision.
