‘Excessive’ $500 fine highlights growing integrity tensions in Queensland

David Vandyke had a $500 fine reduced on appeal during the week, but many believe the matter should never have made it that far in the first place.

David Vandyke won an appeal on a $500 fine during the week. Picture: Vince Caligiuri.

The curious case of Group 1 winning trainer David Vandyke against the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission at the Racing Appeals Panel over a $500 fine raised eyebrows during the week.

It highlighted the growing discontent between Queensland's racing industry and the integrity body, which is threatening to boil over in the coming weeks.

The penalty, which stemmed from Vandyke not scratching a horse from a washed-out meting, was eventually reduced to $200 on appeal.

Vandyke opted to appeal the matter, with the assistance of the Australian Trainers Association, on principle over money.

“The ATA was very pleased with the outcome and the decision reached by the RAP, and the way the panel dissected the mass of information the QRIC laboured them with,” ATA Queensland secretary Cameron Partington said.

David Vandyke, during his days training Alligator Blood, celebrates his Australian Guineas victory with jockey Ryan Maloney.

“The major issue is the lengthy and costly process for what are very simple matters, and usually due to the poor decision making in the first place by QRIC, followed by the inability to accept they might get the odd thing wrong.

“The industry associations often try and meditate with them to avoid the costly RAP process, and this is always met with a stubbornness to negotiate and a disrespectful attitude to the association’s knowledge and experience.

“Also the inability for our participants to have support and guidance throughout the appeal process from any party other than a lawyer is grossly unfair.

“It has our participants at a distinct disadvantage as they battle QRIC with unlimited resources and legal support, in an area of expertise that is completely uncommon to them.”

G1 TRAINER RETIRES

Barry Baldwin won the 2006 Stradbroke Handicap with La Montagna. Picture: Peter Wallis.

Stradbroke Handicap-winning trainer Barry Baldwin has called it quits following a glittering career.

The premiership-winning trainer informed owners of his decision to retire on Saturday morning, with confirmation he will finish up at his Eagle Farms towards the end of the month.

Baldwin currently has 15 boxes at Eagle Farm, however is still considered one of Brisbane’s premier horsemen.

“I celebrated my 80th birthday back in September and it has been 58 years since I was granted my training licence,” he said.

“Time catches up with all of us and recently it has been a little harder to get out of bed when the alarm sounds and my body is showing signs that I can’t do the things that I used to do and made me consider my retirement.

“I have had a stellar career, training a Group 1 winner as well as several other Group and Listed winners.”

La Montagna, ridden by Craig Newitt wins the Stradbroke for trainer Barry Baldwin.

Baldwin won three Brisbane metropolitan premierships, along with a title in Macau during a brief stint in Asia.

“At one stage I had 40 horses in work at Eagle Farm and a similar amount in Macau and I was considered a big stable,” he said.

“This decision to call time on the 3am alarm has not been an easy one to make but it is the right one.

“You will still see me at the races but the jockey’s saddle in my hand will be replaced with a whiskey as I sit in the members bar enjoying a day out with my friends.”

The Brisbane Racing Club confirmed they would name a race after Baldwin in the new year to honour his time at Eagle Farm.

CUP’S QUEENSLAND FLAVOUR

Mark du Plessis will ride Magical Lagoon in Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup.

Queensland-based hoop Mark du Plessis will have his fifth ride in the Melbourne Cup on Tuesday.

The natural lightweight rider will ride Magical Lagoon for champion trainer Chris Waller.

Du Plessis has been able to forgo his rides at Eagle Farm on Tuesday to make the trip south, where he will join fellow Queenslander Ben Thompson in the race.

Originally published as ‘Excessive’ $500 fine highlights growing integrity tensions in Queensland