A racehorse trainer based in Dubbo, New South Wales, Australia, faced disqualification after engaging in a heated exchange with a racing official during an inspection. Garry Lunn, known for training over 500 winners, including 100 at the Dubbo racecourse, was found to have directed improper and insulting remarks towards steward Xavier Dalton.
The incident occurred when RacingNSW officials conducted a stable audit at Lunn’s yard and discovered discrepancies in the stable return records. Upon Dalton’s return for a follow-up inspection the next month, Lunn’s aggressive behavior escalated, leading to a confrontation where he used derogatory language towards the steward.
Allegedly, Lunn hurled expletives at Dalton, branding him as the “dopiest Steward” and questioning his competence. The altercation continued outside the stable, with Lunn persisting in his verbal abuse towards Dalton, who eventually left the premises to avoid further confrontation.
Subsequently, Lunn was charged with obstructing Dalton from performing his duties and engaging in improper conduct by using aggressive and insulting language. Despite denying the accusations, Lunn was found guilty on both counts. He received a three-month disqualification for the first offense and a nine-month disqualification for the second, both to be served concurrently starting from November 14, 2025, until August 14, 2026.