Wagga-based apprentice jockey Holly Durnan has been handed a three-month suspension by Racing NSW stewards after being found guilty of workplace harassment and the unauthorized use of her mobile phone in the jockeys’ room.
The investigation by stewards began in late September, following reports of an “offensive photograph of a fellow apprentice jockey” being circulated. The image was taken inside the female jockeys’ room at Corowa Racing Club on September 16, 2024.
Upon reviewing Durnan’s phone, stewards uncovered five other instances where her device was used at three separate race meetings between August 20 and September 16, 2024.
Durnan faced three charges from the stewards:
- Workplace Harassment (AR233(b))
It was alleged that on September 16, 2024, Durnan engaged in workplace harassment at Corowa Racecourse. She reportedly took an inappropriate photo of a fellow apprentice jockey in the female jockeys’ room and shared it with another person in the racing industry. - Possession of a Mobile Phone (AR218(4)(b))
Durnan was charged with having her phone in the female jockeys’ room during race meetings without stewards’ permission on three separate occasions between August 20 and September 16, 2024. - Use of a Mobile Phone (AR218(4)(c))
Durnan was also accused of using her phone on five occasions at different race meetings during the same time period, again without approval from stewards.
While Durnan pleaded not guilty to the workplace harassment charge, she admitted guilt to the second and third charges regarding mobile phone usage. However, the stewards found her guilty on all three counts and imposed the following penalties:
- Workplace Harassment (Charge 1): Three-month suspension of her jockey’s license.
- Mobile Phone Possession (Charge 2): A $1500 fine, reduced to $1000 with $500 stayed, provided Durnan avoids breaching the same rule for 18 months.
- Mobile Phone Usage (Charge 3): A three-week suspension, reduced to two weeks, to be served concurrently with the suspension for Charge 1.
Durnan’s suspension started on October 7, 2024, and will run until January 7, 2025. However, the three-month suspension could be reduced to two months if she completes a certified workplace harassment course.