Racing NSW Stewards today concluded an inquiry opened on Wednesday, 15th June 2016, into a report from Cadet Steward, Ms Claire Manley, that licensed jockey Kathy O’Hara was found to be operating a mobile phone within the confines of the jockeys room.

Acting under the provisions of AR8(b) the Stewards took possession of Kathy O’Hara’s phone to have it undergo forensic imaging.

Kathy O’Hara pleaded guilty to a charge under AR160B(3) in that she did have in her possession and use her mobile telephone within the jockeys room to transmit communications on Tuesday, 14th June 2016, at Kembla Grange Racecourse and Wednesday, 15th June 2016, at Warwick Farm Racecourse.

The Stewards were satisfied that the communications made were of a social nature and did not relate to the integrity of any race.

Kathy O’Hara’s licence to ride in races was suspended for a period to commence on Sunday, 3rd July 2016 and to expire on Sunday, 17th July, on which day she may ride. In addition the Stewards imposed a fine of $1000.

In assessing penalty the Stewards took into account this was Kathy O’Hara’s fourth breach of this rule. Kathy O’Hara was advised of her appeal rights