John O’Shea cops four month ban

Leading trainer John O’Shea is preparing to appeal a four-month disqualification issued by Racing NSW stewards following conduct-related charges.

Stewards confirmed on Tuesday that the Group 1-winning trainer had been suspended for four months after an incident involving Racing NSW veterinary officials at Rosehill Gardens on February 21.

O’Shea had expressed frustration after stewards ordered the scratching of Bev’s Nine from the Queen Bee Project Sprint (1100m).

The unbeaten gelding was withdrawn at the barriers after being assessed by veterinarians as 1/5 lame, though he returned to racing six days later at Canterbury and won.

Following the scratching, O’Shea was seen in discussions with veterinarians Dr Carly Garling and Dr Claire Moore, which led to formal complaints and prompted an inquiry by Racing NSW stewards.

An inquiry held on March 9 heard more than six hours of evidence before O’Shea ultimately entered guilty pleas, resulting in a reduction to the penalty imposed.

Alongside confirming the disqualification, stewards also announced that co-trainer Tom Charlton would be granted a provisional licence to train independently should O’Shea’s application for a stay of proceedings not succeed.

The development comes just days out from the Golden Slipper meeting, where stable runners Linebacker and Yorkshire are set to contest the Group 1 George Ryder Stakes.

In a communication sent to owners, O’Shea and Charlton assured that the stable’s operations would continue without disruption.

They stated that the horses’ care, routines and preparation “will remain at the highest level with no changes to their preparation”.