Argument proves costly

INNISFAIL trainer Stephen Potiris and his former stablehand Rhys Miller were both fined $500 following a verbal argument at Pease Park last week.

Last Tuesday morning, the duo were involved in a verbal disagreement in the Innisfail Turf Club stables and faced the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission on Saturday morning before the five-race card.

Innisfail Police would not confirm if they attended the incident but it is understood video surveillance footage played at the stewards’ inquiry shows police attending the Pease Park track following the argument.

It is understood the disagreement did not turn physical as the pair “exchanged foul, abusive language”.

Miller was previously employed by the Potiris stable for about six months.

The duo pleaded guilty and were each slapped with a $1500 fine by stewards on Saturday, with $1000 of that suspended for 12 months, as long as they do not breach a similar rule.

“Stewards today inquired into a complaint raised by trainer Potiris against licensed stablehand Miller,” the stewards’ report from Saturday’s Innisfail race meeting read.

“Subsequently, both Potiris and Miller pleaded guilty to charge ... in that they misconducted themselves and exchanged foul abusive language to each other on Tuesday 13 February 2018 at the Innisfail Turf Club.”

Potiris, who won the 2014 Cairns Amateur Cup with Junee Boy, had three starters at Innisfail on Saturday, with Princess Sidereus running second in the Ratings Band 0-55 Handicap (1000m).

Meanwhile, leading Tablelands hoop Wanderson D’Avila will take four rides at Mackay Turf Club this afternoon.

The Brazilian will ride two chances for leading Mackay trainer John Manzelmann.