Racehorse TALK

Racetrack invaders face life ban, hefty fine
Clinton Payne
Wednesday, 1 July 2009


The NSW Government has announced tough new penalties for racetrack invaders.

From Wednesday any person running onto a racetrack in NSW during a race faces a life ban and a maximum fine of $5,500.

Minister for Gaming and Racing, Kevin Greene said serial pest ‘Peter Hoare’ style racetrack invasions will not be tolerated in NSW.

“These idiots are not only a danger to themselves, they also put the lives of jockeys, drivers, course clerks and animal handlers at risk,” Greene said.

“Racing participants and their animals have a right to conduct races in a safe environment.

“For several years now it has been illegal to invade sporting fields, now this same offence and fine will apply at thoroughbred, harness and greyhound race tracks.”

The most infamous racetrack invasion occurred during the 1997 Melbourne Cup when serial pest Peter Hoare jumped the fence and ran onto the straight as the field thundered home in Australia’s great race.

Greene also said race track invasions can also impact owners, trainers and other industry participants as was the case in February 2008 when a man celebrating his buck's day ran down the home straight with the field forcing stewards to declare the event a no-race.

“Even if we are lucky enough to escape with no injuries after somebody jumps a fence during a race, the actions of these idiots can often lead to that race being abandoned - leaving owners, trainers, jockeys and punters in the lurch,” Greene said.