Racing WA stewards have concluded an inquiry involving Ms Emily Quartermaine, who is licensed as a track rider.
The inquiry into a report submitted by the RWWA Senior Investigator commenced on 2 December 2024 and was conducted over several sittings.
On 24 March 2025, Ms Quartermaine was found guilty of breaching the below Rules of Racing. Following submissions regarding penalty, heard on 31 March 2025, stewards have determined the penalties as indicated.
Charge 1. AR 229 (1) (a) which states:
AR 229 Corruption, dishonesty and misleading behaviour
(1) A person must not:
(a) engage in any dishonest, corrupt, fraudulent, improper or dishonourable action or practice in connection with racing;
Particulars
The particulars of the charge relates to Ms Quartermaine engaging in an improper action in connection with racing by falsely reporting to the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) allegations that were not based on reasonable grounds in relation to the property (Roselee Park) of licensed trainer Ms T Rodwell.
Penalty - $2000 fine.
Charge 2. AR 229 (1)(a) which states as above.
Particulars
The particulars of the charge relates to Ms Quartermaine engaging in an improper action in connection with racing by posting to the Facebook group “Horse Advice & Discussion WA” statements which were false and not based on reasonable grounds on 30 August 2024 under the name “Shirley Smith”.
Penalty – Six (6) months disqualification.
Charge 3. AR 228 (a) which states:
AR228 Conduct detrimental to the interests of racing
A person must not engage in:
(a) conduct prejudicial to the image, interests, integrity, or welfare of racing, whether or not that conduct takes place within a racecourse or elsewhere;
Particulars
The particulars of the charge relates to conduct that was prejudicial to the image of racing by posting to the Facebook group “Horse Advice & Discussion WA” statements which were false and not based on reasonable grounds on 30 August 2024, under the name “Shirley Smith”.
Penalty – Six (6) months disqualification.
The periods of disqualification apply immediately and are to be served concurrently.
In assessing penalty, stewards noted, amongst other things:
- Ms Quartermaine’s long period and level of involvement in racing.
- Her disciplinary record, which includes two prior offences (one pending appeal) relating to the posting of improper material on social media.
- That the breaches of the Rules for which Ms Quartermaine was found guilty represented conduct inconsistent with the expectations of those privileged to hold a licence.
- The impact of such conduct on those to which it related.
- The potential for such conduct to tarnish the image and reputation of racing.
- The need for the penalty to promote compliance and serve suitable deterrence.