Dubbo trainer’s ban slashed after appeal

Dubbo trainer Garry Lunn has had his nine-month disqualification dramatically reduced to two months following a successful appeal before the Racing NSW Appeals Panel.

Lunn, who has prepared more than 500 winners during his career, was originally banned after an expletive-laden outburst directed at a Racing NSW steward during an attempted stable audit on October 15 last year.

He was found guilty of “conduct detrimental to the interests of racing” and “failing to observe the processes and directions of Stewards.”

On appeal, the Panel accepted special circumstances surrounding the incident, noting that Lunn was under “duress” due to the serious ill-health of a family member.

It found Lunn’s verbal insults and erratic and uncooperative demeanour was at the low end of the spectrum.

Lunn will be able to return to training on March 13.