Stewards’ Report Stewards Report: Graham Kliese Date: 26th August 2021 Panel: Peter Chadwick, Daniel Aurisch & Tate Hudson Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC)
Stewards today concluded an inquiry into a complaint lodged regarding the conduct and behaviour of licensed jockey Graham Kliese during the course of the race meeting at Mareeba Turf Club on the 26th of June 2021. Evidence and documentation was tendered by Mr Graham Kliese and evidence provided by Stewards who officiated on the day was also considered.
After considering all the evidence, Mr Kliese subsequently plead guilty to a charge under AR 228(c) which reads: “A person must not engage in improper or insulting behaviour at any time towards a PRA, the Stewards, a Club, or any official, employee, contractor or agent of any of them in relation to the relevant person’s functions, powers or duties”
The specifics of the charge being that during the course of the Mareeba Turf Club meeting on the 26th of June 2021, Mr Kliese conducted himself improperly by displaying improper behaviour which included inappropriate language towards a QRIC Steward in the vicinity of the scales area which was audible to other licensees and officials.
When considering an appropriate penalty, the Stewards considered relevant penalty precedents, the seriousness of the charge and the need for a penalty to serve as a specific deterrent to Mr Kliese and a general deterrent to the wider industry to illustrate that this type of conduct will not be tolerated. The panel also acknowledged Mr Klieses’ forthright evidence, that he was very remorseful about the incident and that Mr Kliese had proactively taken steps personally to help with personal issues.
Subsequently Mr Kliese was suspended from riding in races for a period of four (4) weeks, however acting under AR 283(5), Stewards suspended three (3) weeks of the penalty for a period of two (2) years provided there is no breach of a similar rule in that time. The suspension will commence at midnight 2nd September 2021 and will expire at midnight 9th September 2021. Mr Kliese was made aware of his rights to an internal review. QRIC/2019/3019 v1.01 Stewards Report Queensland Racing Integrity Commission
Giddy up :beer: