Former mayoral candidate Paul Masten appeals fine after abusing Darwin race stewards

Darwin racehorse enthusiast and part-owner lodges appeal after being handed hefty fine for abusing stewards the morning of a race meet.

A Darwin racehorse enthusiast and part-owner has appealed a hefty fine imposed on him after he was found guilty by Thoroughbred Racing NT of abusing stewards the morning of a race meet.

As part-owner of the Ella Clarke-trained Eurellydidit, Mr Masten wanted the horse entered into a 10-runner race on March 24.

However, the five-year-old that is currently on a two-race winning run at Fannie Bay was a late scratching due to a lack of jockeys.

As one of three entered horses without a nominated hoop, Eurellydidit was scratched from the race.

The morning of the race Mr Masten was at the Gary Clarke stables while two stewards were conducting pre-race inspections.

The part-owner states he asked the pair “who is the bright spark who accepted 10 starters for a race when there are only seven jockeys in Darwin?”

The altercation then turned into a slanging match with TRNT Chief Steward David Hensler later describing Mr Masten’s part in the altercation as “highly inappropriate”.

The former mayoral candidate was deemed in breach of rule 228 that dictates a person must not engage in improper or insulting behaviour at any time towards stewards.

Paul Masten was found in breach of the racing code after abusing stewards. Picture: Supplied

He was found guilty and subsequently fined $5000, $2000 of which was suspended for a period of two years providing he is not found guilty of any further charge under the same rule in that period.

Mr Masten has since lodged an appeal to the NT Racing Appeals Tribunal, saying the case should have been thrown out before the final hearing.

He said that while he admits “colourful language” was used during the altercation, he has apologised to all parties involved in the brief dispute.

“Although colourful language and tone were used by both parties during the incident, the issue was resolved,” he said.

“I raised a legitimate issue with the stewards, which the stewards could have, and ultimately did, provide advice and guidance.

“No one felt physically threatened by the exchange; and the incident lasted for approximately two-and-a-half to three minutes and was isolated to a single exchange.

“Although no party has approached me to raise a concern about my behaviour, other than the TRNT stewards, I have gained insight that some people may have become distressed by witnessing.

“I have since made an apology to them, including the stewards, who seem to have accepted my apology by congratulating me after a win.

“There is no case to answer and the charge against me should be dismissed prior to the final hearing.”

‘Highly inappropriate’: Former mayoral candidate abuses stewards

A former mayoral candidate and horse owner copped a hefty fine after abusing stewards the morning of a race meet at Fannie Bay.

Racehorse owner and breeder Paul Masten has been fined $5000 after he was found guilty by the racing authority of abusing senior stewards and using abusive language during a race morning inspection.

The abuse took place on March 24 when stewards visited the on-course stables to carry out pre-race inspections.

Mr Masten was at the stables and took the opportunity to argue about his horse, the Ella Clarke-trained Eurellydidit, being scratched from the day’s races because of a lack of riders.

Thoroughbred Racing NT (TRNT) chief steward David Hensler called the manner in which he argued his case “highly inappropriate”.

“He was raising an issue about the splitting of a race, because his horse ended up being scratched that day because there weren’t enough riders,” Mr Hensler said.

“He was venting his frustrations towards the stewards, which was highly inappropriate, it’s not their decision to split races.”

He was deemed in breach of AR 228 which dictates that a person must not engage in improper or insulting behaviour at any time towards stewards, to which he pleaded not guilty.

The matter resumed on April 17 where further submissions were made including evidence from trainers Mr Masten was affiliated with.

There the steward’s panel found him guilty of the charge.

He was subsequently fined $5000, $2000 of which was suspended for a period of two years providing he is not found guilty of any further charge under AR 228 in that period.

Paul Masten is the part owner of the Ella Clarke-trained Eurellydidit pictured here winning at Fannie Bay with jockey Casey Hunter on board. Picture: Caroline Camilleri

Mr Hensler said the penalty took into account the serious nature of the offending while stewards were performing work duties.

“We haven’t had too many other cases like that involving the way people behave towards stewards,” he said.

“We looked at precedents from other jurisdictions and because he’s not a licensed person, but an owner we couldn’t suspend him so it came down to a fine.

“His conduct was detrimental to the image and interests of racing, it took place on a racecourse while stewards were performing work duties and his improper behaviour was unprovoked.”

Mr Masten has since lodged an appeal to the NT Racing Appeals Tribunal.

The horse Mr Masten part owns, Eurellydidit, is currently on a two-race winning run at Fannie Bay.

Mr Masten stood both for mayor and Lyons Ward alderman during the 2017 Darwin Council elections, but went unelected.

Originally published as Former mayoral candidate Paul Masten appeals fine after abusing Darwin race stewards