An ugly altercation has overshadowed the Victorian Bookmakers’ Association’s annual dinner in the Committee Room at Caulfield Racecourse, with one bookmaker left with broken glasses and another – a Victorian bookmaker – now facing sanctions.
The incident unfolded shortly after 10:30pm on Monday night in the foyer, just outside the Committee Room. An eyewitness, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, told Betsy the mood had “been simmering” for hours before things spilled over.
“You could see he was agitated all night,” the attendee said of the bookmaker at the centre of the incident.
According to the witness, the scuffle broke out on the concourse.
“I had decided to head home and as I exited I heard commotion,” he said.
“I looked around, and to my amazement a fight was taking place.”
“He was right in the middle of it. One bloke’s glasses were broken. One was shirtless. It was a mess.”
The Victorian Bookmakers’ Association circulated a message to members following the event confirming an investigation is underway.
“Many of you would have witnessed or been made aware of a distressing incident that occurred toward the conclusion of that event involving a member,” the VBA said.
The association has called an urgent board meeting at which the bookmaker involved has been requested to appear. A resolution will be put forward alleging that the member engaged in conduct “derogatory to, or not in the best interests of, the VBA or its members,” as outlined in clause 17 of the constitution.
If the resolution is carried, the bookmaker could face formal sanctions.
The VBA also confirmed that two board members have recused themselves from the process.
The unnamed witness said attendees were stunned the night had unravelled so dramatically.
“It was meant to be a friendly catch-up. Everyone had loosened the tie, having a laugh,” he said.
“Then you’re standing there watching a dust-up at a bookmakers’ dinner. It was surreal.”
The VBA says it will update members once the meeting has concluded.
Betsy contacted the VBA for comment.
