Jamie Kah cleared in ‘white powder’ controversy
In the latest development of the white powder controversy involving champion jockey Jamie Kah, she has been cleared of conduct prejudicial to the image of racing.
Judge John Bowman of the Victorian Racing Tribunal delivered the verdict, bringing an end to a six-month legal dispute.
The charge against Kah was dismissed on Friday, with Bowman stating that he was not comfortably satisfied that Kah’s conduct was prejudicial, given that she was unaware of the video being filmed and sent.
The incident, which surfaced in late June, depicted Kah, a nine-time Group 1-winner, allegedly handling a white powder during a small gathering at her house.
Co-accused Ruby McIntyre, a gathering attendee and stablehand, was found guilty of the same charge.
Both Kah and McIntyre, who pleaded not guilty, were charged by stewards with conduct prejudicial to the image, interests, integrity, or welfare of racing.
During the hearing, McIntyre admitted responsibility for covertly recording Kah and sharing the footage on a private social media account. Matthew Stirling, Kah’s attorney, successfully argued that McIntyre took the video and screenshot without Kah’s knowledge and shared them.
While McIntyre awaits her penalty hearing scheduled for January 18, Kah’s case has garnered attention for the controversy surrounding the leaked footage.
Stirling criticised Racing Victoria for attacking Kah’s “integrity and honesty” in what he described as a “cowardly and disrespectful way.”
The lengthy duration of the case has faced criticism, and the decision comes after two days of evidence and legal arguments.