An investigation has begun into an incident between a senior New Zealand racing official and a young woman at Ellerslie Racecourse at the weekend.
Dean Nowell, the chief handicapper for New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR), tried to enter the track and was challenged by the woman, who was working asa gate attendant.
A complaint has been made to NZTR who are treating the incident as an employment issue.
It is understood Mr Nowell was accompanied by guests and took exception to being told he could not enter the area without tickets.
It is understood he tried to continue through the gates. He was given a trespass notice, asked to leave the track and the incident was referred to the racecourse inspector.
Asked about the trespass order, Mr Nowell said: "It's nothing to do with me".
He then refused to comment further and referred the Herald to NZTR chief executive Greg Purcell, who yesterday confirmed an investigation was under way.
"There was an incident at the weekend involving an NZTR employee and his entry at the gate into Ellerslie Racecourse.
