A NSW apprentice has received a two month ban after being found guilty of whacking a horse in the head during routine trackwork.
Apprentice Madison Waters pleaded guilty for whacking an unnamed two-year-old colt to the head with her whip during trackwork at Kembla Grange racecourse on May 21st.
Waters’ penalty started at midnight on Monday and will end at midnight on September 14th.
Racing NSW’s release:
Charge – Apprentice Madison Waters
Ms. Waters pleaded guilty to a charge of improper conduct under AR228(b) in that on the morning of Thursday, 21 May 2020, when riding an unnamed 2yo colt by Rip Van Winkle at Kembla Grange Racecourse, after pulling up, she did strike that colt on at least two occasions in the head using her whip.
Penalty: License suspended in full for a period of two months, to commence immediately and to expire on Monday, 14 September 2020, on which day she may resume her duties.
In assessing penalty, Stewards were mindful of Ms Waters’s guilty plea and her unblemished record, however, were also conscious of the serious nature of the matter.
Charge – Trainer Luke Price
Mr Price was found guilty of a charge of unseemly behavior under AR228(b) in that on the morning of Saturday, 23 May 2020 at Kembla Grange Racecourse he did approach licensed trackwork rider Sally Faulks, and make comments to her that were intimidatory in nature given that Ms Faulks was a witness in an ongoing inquiry involving his apprentice Madison Waters.
Penalty: $1500
In assessing penalty, Stewards were mindful of Mr Price’s unblemished record in over 20 years as being a licensed person, however, considered the serious nature of the matter.
Ms Waters and Mr Price were both advised of their rights of appeal.
Relevant Rule
AR 228 Conduct detrimental to the interests of racing
A person must not engage in:
(b) misconduct, improper conduct or unseemly behavior
