Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) Stewards today conducted an inquiry into conduct exhibited by Dannielle McMullen (licensed harness racing driver) following a Stewards Inquiry at the Albion Park race meeting on Saturday, 11 March 2017.

After taking initial evidence from Ms McMullen, Stewards issued her a charge under Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHR) 247, which reads:

A person attending before the Controlling Body its members or employees, the Stewards, officials, or at any proceeding under these rules, shall not speak or behave in a malicious, intimidatory or otherwise improper manner.

The specifics being:

That on 11 March 2017 when attending before the Stewards, Ms McMullen, did speak in an improper manner.

Ms McMullen pleaded guilty to the charge.

In assessing penalty, Stewards were mindful of Ms McMullen’s personal circumstances and her guilty plea. Stewards were also mindful of similar precedents and considered this her first breach under AHR 247 given that a similar conduct related penalty handed down on 11 March 2017 was still subject to an Internal Review. Stewards also considered the requirement that a penalty serve as an adequate deterrent to ensure that licensees conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times. Stewards fined Ms McMullen $500.

Ms McMullen was advised of her right to an Internal Review.

Stewards’ Report – Dannielle McMullen

Date – 03/04/2017

Panel – Ian Brown, Daniel Aurisch, Joshua Elliott