A Queensland racing steward called a photographer to ask them to remove an incriminating photo of a jockey from social media because it would bring the sport into disrepute, an inquiry has heard.
The so called "Birdsville inquiry", chaired by Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) stewards, has been sitting in Brisbane examining the circumstances of the use of a jigger by a jockey at a western Queensland race meet in August.
Stewards are described as the police of racing at events to ensure rules and regulations are adhered to.
Rion Hitchener, a senior steward based on the Gold Coast, flew into Birdsville and was one of three stewards responsible for the event.
He told the inquiry that he called the photographer Sharon Lee Chapman to ask her to remove the image from social media so it would "not damage the industry".
He said she told him she had already removed the photo after being notified of the issue.
Graham Saunders, who runs the Saunders Racing Syndicate with his wife and son, was also subject to cross-examination by Barcaldine trainer Todd Austin's legal representative today.
The inquiry heard he sent jockey Ric McMahon a message the morning after the race — after he was sent the photo by multiple friends — advising the jockey to "get ahead of it" because "no-one will stick by you".
When asked by inquiry chair Josh Adams whether he had any knowledge that the jigger was going to be used, Mr Saunders said no.
In the text, he also told McMahon to seek legal advice and "deny, deny, deny".
Last week the jockey was fined $5,000 in the Mount Isa magistrates court after pleading guilty to one count of possessing a prohibited thing at a licensed venue.
The inquiry has adjourned until later in the week.
