Racing Victoria stewards on Tuesday continued the inquiry which was opened on Monday, 22nd September 2003, into a complaint from Mr George Eccles against Licensed ‘A’ Cross Country Jockey Tim Wheeler relating to an alleged altercation at Nar Nar Goon on the 22 nd May, 2003.

The inquiry was adjourned on that day as a related matter before the Stewards was the subject of Police Charges awaiting hearing by a Magistrates Court.

The inquiry continued on Friday, 30th April, 2004, then on Monday, 21st June, 2004, and on that day Mr Damon Eccles was charged as a registered stablehand with improper conduct, that being on Friday 9th May, 2003, he assaulted Tim Wheeler at a property at Officer.

Evidence was taken today from Mr Damon Eccles, Ms Judy Black, Mr Glen Duncan, Mr George Eccles and Mr Tim Wheeler ‘A’ Cross Country Jockey.

Mr Damon Eccles was found guilty as charged and fined the sum of $500.  In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into account amongst other things that Mr Damon Eccles had previously been dealt with by the Magistrates Court.

The charges against Tim Wheeler have been adjourned to the offices of Racing Victoria, at 11.30am on Friday, 16th July, 2004, as Mr Wheeler wished to study a transcript of today’s proceedings before making submissions to the Stewards.