Trainer Chris Munce says he will challenge and vigorously contest the three month suspension and $5000 fine penalty handed down to him by stewards following an investigation surrounding the alleged treatment administered to Lady Brahmos on October 2 last year, one day before Lady Brahmos was due to race. The mare was subsequently scratched from that engagement.
The allegation was that Lady Brahmos received an injection in contravention of the rules of racing.
It has been reported that Munce pleaded guilty to a breach of the treatment rules and a charge of misleading stewards, however, he believes that the penalty is ‘harsh and unfair, and also that is ‘not in line with similar penalties imposed by stewards, for offences of this nature.’
The full stewards’ release reads:
Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) Stewards have finalised outstanding charges issued against Brisbane Thoroughbred Trainer Chris Munce.
Mr Munce has received a three month suspension and $5,000 fine after he pleaded guilty to giving Lady Brahmos an injection in contravention to the rules of racing and providing false and misleading evidence to Integrity Officers.
In October last year, Lady Brahmos was scratched prior to racing at Eagle Farm after stewards alleged the horse had received an injection in contravention to the rules of racing.
Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) Stewards said this penalty should serve as a deterrent to illustrate that the integrity of racing is of paramount importance.
Acting Racing Integrity Commissioner Mark Ainsworth said the QRIC Integrity Investigations Team (IIT) and Stewards regularly carry out pre-race testing.
“These breaches of the rules are disappointing and despite the warnings and ongoing pre-race testing, they are an ongoing problem for the integrity of the sport,” he said.
“Racing participants should be aware we are out there testing, and their practises are being scrutinised so if they are breaking the rules they will be caught,” he said.
Mr Munce’s suspension will commence on 2 April 2021 and remain in place until 2 July 2021.
