Racing Victoria (RV) Stewards have late today concluded an inquiry into the conduct of licensed apprentice jockeys Michael Poy and Teodore Nugent and registered stablehand Claira Chermside following receipt of information regarding possible breaches of COVID-19 protocols.
On Monday, 3 August 2020 it became known that Mr Poy’s partner had been identified as a close contact of a confirmed COVID-19 case.
Acting upon the advice of the Racing Victoria Chief Medical Officer (CMO) and in accordance with DHHS policy, the trio were stood down for a period of 14 days commencing on Monday, 3 August 2020, and are required to provide a negative result to a COVID-19 test.
The inquiry focused on the activities of Mr Poy; Mr Nugent and his partner Ms Chermside in the days prior to the CMO being advised of the situation regarding Mr Poy’s partner.
At the completion of the inquiry, the trio were each issued with charges by the Stewards under AR232(b) which states:
AR 232 Failure to observe processes and directions of PRAs or Stewards
A person must not:
(b) fail or refuse to comply with an order, direction or requirement of the Stewards or an official;
Michael Poy
Mr Poy was issued with two charges by the Stewards under AR232(b).
The specifics of the first charge being Mr Poy failed to maintain an appropriate log book of his location and activities, including times of arrival and departure and persons with whom he had contact with, in accordance with Racing Victoria’s COVID-19 protocols. He was found guilty and fined $500.
The specifics of the second charge being that on Wednesday, 29 July 2020, Mr Poy visited the residence of Mr Nugent and Ms Chermside which was not compliant with Victorian Government Stage 3 COVID-19 restrictions at the time (which was required as part of the Racing Victoria COVID-19 protocols). He was found guilty and fined $1,000, meaning he was fined in total an amount of $1,500.
Teo Nugent
Mr Nugent was issued with one charge by the Stewards under AR232(b).
The specifics of the charge being that Mr Nugent failed to maintain an appropriate log book of his location and activities, including times of arrival and departure and persons with whom he had contact with, in accordance with Racing Victoria’s COVID-19 protocols. He was found guilty and fined $500.
Claira Chermside
Ms Chermside was issued with one charge by the Stewards under AR232(b).
The specifics of the charge being that on Wednesday, 29 July 2020, Ms Chermside allowed Mr Poy to visit the residence of Mr Nugent and herself which was not compliant with Victorian Government Stage 3 COVID-19 restrictions at the time (which was required as part of the Racing Victoria COVID-19 protocols). She was found guilty and fined $500.
The trio are all undergoing COVID-19 testing this week ahead of the expiration of their stand down order at 11.59pm on Sunday, 16 August 2020. Mr Poy has already provided one negative test, however given his partner’s circumstances he has been directed to undertake a second test.