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<\/p>\n\u201cPolice have been told that a 59-year-old woman had been struck to the chin by another woman on Saturday 26 April 2025,\u201d a spokesman said.<\/p>\n
The Racing NSW investigator, former police officer Nikki Burke, is understood to deny using force against Roberts\u2019 wife, reporting her right wrist was hurt when one of his horses made contact as he led it past her.<\/p>\n
Roberts is also accused of throwing his gear bag in her direction and pinning the passenger door of his truck on Burke as she attempted to inspect the vehicle, allegations he rejects.<\/p>\n
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The altercation involving the Roberts and a Racing NSW integrity official took place at Newcastle Racecourse on April 26.Credit: Getty<\/p>\n
The Central Coast-based trainer faces four racing charges over the incident \u2013 two counts of engaging in improper behaviour towards an official, and further charges of refusing to obey an investigator and obstructing one from carrying out her duties.<\/p>\n
It is claimed Roberts spoke with improper language and in an aggressive tone towards Burke as well as repeatedly defying directions to attend the stewards room at the track, telling her: \u201cGet stuffed, I can do what I want.\u201d<\/p>\n
Roberts said Burke never identified herself as she began searching his bags and truck before entering the cabin of the vehicle.<\/p>\n
He asked her to get out of the truck and walked off, he said, before returning to the stalls to bring out his horses with his wife, followed by the investigator.<\/p>\n
\u201c[She] said to me. \u2018You can\u2019t take that horse\u2019,\u201d Carolyn Roberts said. \u201cShe put her hand on my upper arm to stop me from moving forward. Then she snatched the lead of the horse. With the lead in her hand she then brought that arm up into my face. I\u2019ve got her arm against my chin and my throat.\u201d<\/p>\n
After grabbing both horses, loading them and driving off, Craig Roberts told the Herald he received a phone call later in the day from Daniel Hadley, head of Racing NSW\u2019s integrity unit and son of broadcaster Ray Hadley.<\/p>\n
\u201cI told him I didn\u2019t even know who she was,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019ve been training for 20 years. I\u2019ve never seen Nikki Burke in my life.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Roberts\u2019 run-in with Burke was viewed by another trainer, former Scone Cup winner Louise Munce.<\/p>\n
She said the investigator was \u201cright in his face\u201d and she thought she was a disgruntled owner. She didn\u2019t see the investigator stop Roberts\u2019 wife, but witnessed Roberts leading the horses out of the stalls and didn\u2019t notice one touch Burke.<\/p>\n
Another onlooker close by Roberts\u2019 truck has provided testimony, saying he had seen an animated Burke but no physicality.<\/p>\n
There is also understood to be a witness supporting the investigator\u2019s version of events.<\/p>\n
Burke reported that she introduced herself to Roberts, advising him of her intention to search his truck for prohibited items as part of routine float and horse transport inspections.<\/p>\n
Roberts, who has only four horses in work, two of which he owns, faces a possible suspension or loss of his trainer\u2019s licence if found guilty at Wednesday\u2019s inquiry, at which he is unable to have legal representation under racing rules.<\/p>\n
A Racing NSW spokesman said he was unable to comment on the specifics of an ongoing case, but Roberts would be provided due process and natural justice.<\/p>\n