Stewards Notice Inquiry HRSA v Loone

Stewards’ Inquiry Decision

HRSA Stewards v Mr S Loone
AHRR 187(5)
HRSA Stewards have concluded an Inquiry into Mr S Loone’s conduct in the Stewards’ Room at
Globe Derby Park on 7 July 2026.
Background and Inquiry
Mr Loone attended the Stewards’ Room after Race 1, seeking clarification of the Stewards’ decision
concerning an incident involving ROAD STAR in Race 5 on 6 July 2026.
After receiving an explanation and an opportunity to view the available replay footage, the discussion
became increasingly animated. The evidence was that Mr Loone compared the approach
unfavourably with Western Australia, questioned the Panel’s professionalism, competence and
integrity, referred to a Steward (Mr E) as a “crook” and, as he departed, used words to the effect that
Mr E was “corrupt”.
Mr Loone was given written notice of the allegations and the Inquiry, including opportunities to attend,
respond, provide evidence and make submissions. Notice of the Inquiry was sent to Mr Loone by
Registered Post in accordance with AHRR 308.
Mr Loone did not attend the Inquiry on 31 August 2026 and did not provide written evidence or
submissions. The presiding Steward was satisfied that service had been effected in accordance with
AHRR 308 and proceeded with the Inquiry in Mr Loone’s absence pursuant to AHRR 308(3).
Mr Loone’s absence was not treated as evidence of guilt or as an aggravating factor for penalty.
Charge and Decision
AHRR 187(5) provides:
“A person shall not abuse, intimidate or be deliberately obstructive of the Stewards.”
One charge was laid pursuant to AHRR 187(5) and 187(7) alleging that Mr Loone abused members of
the Stewards’ Panel by the comments and conduct summarised above.
No plea was entered on behalf of Mr Loone.
Having considered the evidence, the presiding Steward was comfortably satisfied on the balance of
probabilities that the charge was PROVEN.
Participants are entitled to disagree with Stewarding decisions, seek explanations and express
legitimate criticism. However, the conduct crossed that boundary when it moved from criticism of the
decision to personal allegations that a Steward was a “crook” and “corrupt”. In context, those words
directly impugned the honesty and integrity of a Steward performing an official integrity function.
Page 2 of 2
Penalty
In determining penalty, the presiding Steward considered the seriousness and official setting of the conduct; the express imputation of dishonesty; general and specific deterrence; relevant conduct antecedents, while giving limited weight to older or unrelated matters; published comparative penalties; the absence of physical contact, threats, intimidation or sustained obstruction; the limited duration of the incident; and Mr Loone’s apology to Stewards at Port Pirie on 15 July 2026.
Mr Loone’s offence history was considered only after the charge had been determined and was not relied upon as evidence that the present offence had been committed.
Having balanced those matters, the appropriate and proportionate penalty was:
FINE $450
Payment, Review and Notification
The fine is payable to HRSA within 30 days of the decision.
Money owing for not less than 30 days constitutes “arrears” under the AHRR. If the fine remains unpaid, HRSA may commence the process under AHRR 292 concerning the Unpaid Forfeit List. Entry is not automatic. AHRR 292(4) requires notice of the amount and particulars of the arrears and an opportunity to be heard before an entry is made.
If entered on the Unpaid Forfeit List, AHRR 295(2) provides that the person becomes subject to the disabilities and penalties that AHRR 259 applies to a disqualified person.
A fine of $450 does not fall within the monetary appeal jurisdiction of the Racing Appeals Tribunal. AHRR 184 nevertheless permits an application for rehearing where fresh relevant evidence is produced within 14 days of the decision.
Mr Loone has been notified in writing of the charge, finding, reasons, penalty and applicable payment and review provisions. Consistent with the way notice of the Inquiry was provided, written notice of the decision was sent to Mr Loone by Registered Post.
The presiding Steward was Mr D Kordick.
Harness Racing SA Stewards 31 August 2026