Trainer banned after song video and offensive posts

Taree trainer Glen Milligan has been suspended for two months after he pleaded guilty to five conduct charges, relating to Facebook posts, including one video of him singing, and an insensitive text message he sent to fellow industry participants.

The first four charges were under Rule228 (a) for conduct prejudicial to the image, interests, integrity or welfare. They related to Facebook posts made to his 523 friends, while the fifth charge was for improper conduct in text he sent to a number of people, “containing offensive and disrespectful comments” related to the death of a fellow participant.

In his posts, Milligan alleged a cover-up at the Manning River Race Club and was accused of using “inappropriate and offensive remarks” towards MRRC staff and racing participants.

Milligan made full and frank admissions about the Facebook posts to Racing NSW investigators and was suspended for one month on three of them and three months for “publishing abusive and derogatory comments directed towards an employee of the Manning Valley Race Club.”

He was given two months on an improper conduct charge for his insensitive comments in a text message on the other charge.

The stewards ruled that the appropriate suspension should be six months, but it was reduced to four months due to his guilty pleas and mitigating factors.

It was further reduced to a two-month ban, with the other two months suspended for two years, provided Milligan doesn’t breach the rule again.

Milligan was advised of his rights of appeal.