It has become commonplace to see professional athletes and participants reprimanded and fined for their use of Twitter and other social media platforms. Apparently, participants in the world of horse racing are not immune
to such repercussions, either.
According to a report, Down Under trainer Lee Freedman was fined after having made a detrimental remark in regard to Racing Victoria stewards on Saturday, May 28.
Freedman's charge, Our Smokin Rock, was scratched by stewards just prior to a race at Caulfield on Saturday. The horse was scratched by the stewards after Our Smokin Rock was heard producing an abnormal respiratory sound just before the race. After being scratched, no obvious abnormalities were found via and endoscopic examination which took place on course.
In regard to the late scratching of his charge, Freedman posted ''World first at Caulfield vet scr our smoking rock at gate because he thinks it made a noise !!! What a disgrace” to Twitter.
Freedman was subsequently fined $750 and pleaded guilty to violating AR175(j) which is in regard to improper behaviour.
(With files from thoroughbrednews.com.au)