Punter Anthony Gardiner warned off

Anthony Gardiner, the punter implicated in investigations into a betting charge against leading jockey James McDonald, has been warned off for refusing to speak to Racing NSW stewards.

Racing NSW chief executive Peter V’landys on Friday made the decision to bar Gardiner until such time as he attends Racing NSW to be interviewed by stewards.

It means Gardiner is not permitted to enter any racecourse or training facility, is unable to have an interest in any thoroughbred racehorse nor is he able to place a bet on thoroughbred races with a wagering operator.

Racing NSW said Gardiner’s refusal to speak to authorities was obstructing and hindering the Racing NSW Stewards in investigating serious breaches of the Rules of Racing, prompting V’landys to use his delegated power to warn him off.

“Racing NSW is on record time and again as saying integrity in this industry is paramount,” V”landys said.

“”Accordingly, no individual’s interest should outweigh the confidence of the public, and particularly punters, in the integrity of the industry.

“Racing NSW has zero tolerance for those that obstruct and hinder the maintenance of the integrity of thoroughbred racing in New South Wales.”