A New South Wales trainer has been handed a six-month ban following an inquiry into the handling and care of an injured racehorse that was later euthanised.
Racing NSW Stewards concluded proceedings against licensed trainer Julie Lynch after investigating the circumstances surrounding the injury and subsequent treatment of seven-year-old gelding Sacred Field in March.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, when Sacred Field sustained a serious injury to its offside forelimb while being exercised in a round yard at Lynch’s stable. The horse reportedly became entangled in the rail while being lunged, resulting in a deep laceration that exposed bone, along with rapid swelling in the shoulder and elbow region.
A stable employee alerted Lynch at approximately 8:58am, and upon arrival, she directed the horse be moved roughly 60 metres back to the stable complex. During that time, Sacred Field was significantly lame and showed clear signs of pain and distress.
Once back at the stable, Lynch administered around 20ml of phenylbutazone and treated the visible wound. However, stewards found that no adequate assessment of the underlying injury to the forelimb was conducted at that stage.
Before leaving the premises at approximately 1:30pm, Lynch administered a further 20ml dose of phenylbutazone and placed the horse in a box before departing.
When she returned at around 3:30pm with Peter Lynch, Sacred Field was observed to be non-weight bearing with significant swelling to the injured limb.
A veterinarian was not contacted until after 4:00pm, with Dr Lauren Jones initially unavailable. Dr Andrew Knox attended the property at approximately 5:30pm, where he identified a catastrophic fracture of the humerus. Given the severity of the injury and the horse’s condition, Sacred Field was euthanised on humane grounds.
Racing NSW Integrity launched an investigation on March 20, gathering evidence including witness statements, veterinary reports and phone records. A formal inquiry was opened on April 29, where stewards heard evidence from stable staff, Julie Lynch, Peter Lynch and Racing NSW veterinarian Dr Rose Bensley.
Following the inquiry, stewards issued a charge against Lynch relating to the care provided to the horse prior to euthanasia.
Lynch was subsequently disqualified for a period of six months.
