Racing NSW stewards have disqualified Forbes Jockey Club president and registered owner Randal Grayson for nine months after he admitted two welfare-related offences involving the care of the mare Spectrum’s Image.
The charges followed an investigation into the condition of the 27-year-old mare, who was examined by a veterinarian on May 21, 2026 with a body condition score of just 1/9 and significant dental deterioration before being euthanised on May 30 after she was found unable to stand.
Grayson pleaded guilty to a charge under Australian Rule of Racing 231 for failing to exercise reasonable care, control or supervision to prevent the mare’s body condition from deteriorating to an unacceptable level.
Stewards found he failed to adequately supervise the mare or make inquiries into her welfare between approximately January and May 20, 2026, before she was examined in an emaciated condition.
He also admitted a breach of Local Rule 114(3), with stewards finding he failed to take reasonable steps, including arranging appropriate veterinary or dental treatment, to prevent the mare from suffering unnecessary pain.
In assessing penalty, stewards took into account the seriousness of the offences, the significant welfare consequences for the mare, Grayson’s guilty pleas, his cooperation during the inquiry, his attempts to rehabilitate the mare and relevant penalty precedents.
Stewards imposed a nine-month disqualification for each offence, reduced from a starting point of 12 months after considering mitigating factors, with both penalties to be served concurrently.
The disqualification commenced on June 10, 2026 and will expire on March 10, 2027 after stewards delayed its commencement by seven days to allow arrangements to be made for the ongoing management of the Forbes Jockey Club.
Grayson was advised of his right to appeal the decision.
