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RNSW stewards inquired into an incident which occurred in the tie-up stalls area of Rosehill Gardens racecourse during official trials on February 3.

Evidence was taken from Mathias Guijarro Puentes, a licensed stablehand, and licensed trainer Matthew Smith.

Statements were tendered from Teague McDonald (RNSW Cadet Steward officiating at the trials); Andrew Clarken (licensed stablehand); Robbie Merrick (licensed stablehand); amd Alexander Kuterescz (licensed stablehand).

Matthew Smith tendered to the inquiry copies of an email exchange of December 8 2014 and December 11 2014 between himself and Guijarro Puentes, who had been employed in Smith’s stable for approximately four weeks during November/December 2014.

Guijarro Puentes was found guilty of a charge of improper conduct in that by repeatedly kicking and punching, he did assault and/or did attempt to assault Matthew Smith in the tie-up stalls during official trials at Rosehill on February 3.

In assessing penalty, the stewards established that disputation over payment of wages, when Guijarro Puentes left Smith’s employ, had been the catalyst for Guijarro Puentes

action, whereby Fair Work Australia had ruled in Mr Smith’s favour.

They also took into account that Guijarro Puentes had been cautioned by a steward on December 10 against taking matters into his own hands, yet on the December 11 he sent Smith threatening emails.

Whilst acknowledging Guijarro Puentes had a prior clear record, the stewards handed down a two year disqualification to commence on February 3 2015 and to expire on February 3 2017.

He was further advised that he would be required to appear before the Licensing Committee should he again seek to be licensed as a stablehand/rider in NSW.