Trainer disqualified for 12 months over assault of race club CEO

Racing WA stewards have disqualified Kalgoorlie-based trainer Justin Robins for 12 months after he admitted assaulting Kalgoorlie-Boulder Racing Club (KBRC) chief executive Craig Smith.

Stewards concluded an inquiry this week into an incident involving Robins and Smith in the stabling area at the KBRC on December 4, 2025. Robins had his licence suspended under Local Rule 22 on the day of the incident pending the outcome of the inquiry.

At the hearing, Robins pleaded guilty to a charge of improper conduct under Australian Rule of Racing 228(b) for assaulting Smith.

Stewards imposed a 12-month disqualification, with the penalty backdated to December 4, 2025, the date his licence was suspended.

In a further sanction, stewards ordered a previously suspended $1,000 fine to be activated. The amount formed part of a $2,000 penalty imposed on Robins for a misconduct offence on February 18, 2025, with half of that fine suspended for two years.

In determining penalty, stewards considered the seriousness of the offence, Robins’ record, which included two prior misconduct-related offences resulting in fines, and the need for both specific and general deterrence.

They also took into account Robins’ guilty plea, his remorse for the incident, and penalties handed down in similar cases.

The disqualification remains in effect until December 3, 2026.