TALENTED jockey BRAD STEWART has been received a suspended 12 months sentence and fined $3,000 for betting with TABCORP and CROWNBET. If he re-offends during that period he will have to serve three months.

Stewart pleaded guilty charges relating to accounts with the two betting operators between July 2013 and March 2015 and was given a suspended sentence. in view of the seriousness of the charge and his circumstances. 

The RQ Stewards' Report reads:

Racing Queensland (RQ) Stewards today conducted an Inquiry into reports received from TABCORP & CROWNBET regarding alleged betting activities by licenced jockey Bradley Stewart.

The report was made following a request by RQ for information on betting accounts held by licensed jockeys. Such review has revealed certain information, including that of accounts held by jockey Bradley Stewart.

Evidence was taken from Jockey Stewart. Stewards also considered information obtained from TABCORP & CROWNBET relating to these accounts for a period between July 2013 and March 2015.

After considering all of the evidence Bradley Stewart was issued with a charge under the provisions of AR.83(c) which reads:

Every jockey or apprentice may be penalised if he bet, facilitates the making of, or has any interest in a bet on any race or contingency relating to thoroughbred racing, or if he present in the betting ring during any race meeting.

The specifics of the charge being Bradley Stewart a licenced jockey with RQ, placed a number of bets (17) on thoroughbred racing between the periods July 2013 and March 2015, in two separate betting accounts held in his own name.

Stewards confirmed that each of the bets were at various venues, at infrequent intervals, and were not placed on any race, or race meeting, at which Jockey Stewart had ridden.

Jockey Stewart pleaded guilty to the charge.

When considering an appropriate penalty Stewards view breaches of this kind very seriously as it can have a detrimental effect on the image of racing.  Penalties must serve as a general deterrent to illustrate to the entire racing industry that these activities cannot be condoned.

Bearing in mind his personal circumstances, his guilty plea, and forthright evidence Stewards imposed a suspension of Jockey Stewart’s licence to ride in races for a period of three (3) months, to be wholly suspended for 12 months (under AR.196(4)), and in addition a fine of $3000.

Jockey Stewart was advised of his appeal rights.