Trainer Stephen Jones will be forced to restart his three-and-a-half-year disqualification over race day treatment charges after Racing NSW found he attended the Magic Millions National Sales in June, a breach of the conditions of his penalty.
Jones’ three-and-a-half-year ban was imposed on February 24 this year and was due to expire in October 2027, taking into account time he had already served.
Under Australian Rules of Racing under AR263, disqualified persons are prevented from attending thoroughbred sales. Jones had made an application to Racing NSW in March to attend the Magic Millions National Sale in late May/early June, but this was rejected.
However, a Racing NSW Integrity official found Jones had indeed attended the sales on the Gold Coast.
“Racing NSW Integrity commenced an investigation and identified evidence that was alleged to show that Mr Jones entering the Magic Millions Sales grounds at 9:03am on 2 June 2025 and exiting at 11:11am,” a Racing NSW statement said.
“Stewards invited Mr Jones to make submissions with respect to the allegations. After considering those submissions and the available evidence, Stewards were satisfied that Mr Jones had breached the provisions of Australian Rule of Racing AR263(1)(m).”
The auction didn’t begin until 11am and just five horses were sold in the time Jones was present on the complex. However, under AR263, a breach means the ban must restart and accordingly, Jones disqualification will now not expire until December 2, 2028.