NSW trainer fined and banned over death of race mare

Racing NSW Stewards have concluded an inquiry into the death of five-year-old mare Bonnie Vale, trained by Trent Potts, issuing a series of charges and penalties related to welfare, reporting and record-keeping breaches.

Bonnie Vale was found deceased in a paddock at Mr Potts’ residence on 10 January 2024. An investigation later determined the mare’s left hind hoof capsule had become detached from the pedal bone. It wasn’t until August 2024, when Racing NSW made enquiries about the mare’s status, that Mr Potts disclosed her death.

The Racing NSW Integrity unit launched an investigation, gathering veterinary reports, treatment records, and witness statements. On 28 April 2025, Stewards opened a formal inquiry, taking evidence from Mr Potts, Ms Leanne Boyd, and Racing NSW Official Veterinarian Dr Rose Bensley. The inquiry was adjourned to allow time for Ms Boyd to provide relevant phone records.

On 7 May 2025, the inquiry resumed with further testimony from Dr Stuart Knox, Dr Rose Bensley, Mr Potts, Ms Boyd, and Investigator Ben Lavorato. Following deliberation, Stewards issued five charges against Mr Potts, all of which were admitted.

Charge 1: Under AR231(1)(b)(iii), Mr Potts was found guilty of failing to provide veterinary treatment between 8 and 10 January 2024 when Bonnie Vale’s condition deteriorated.
Penalty: 6-month suspension, reduced to 4 months and 2 weeks.

Charge 2: Under AR231(1)(b)(ii), Mr Potts failed to administer necessary pain relief (phenylbutazone) to Bonnie Vale over the same period.
Penalty: 4-month suspension, reduced to 3 months, partially concurrent with Charge 1.

Charge 3: Under AR299(1), Mr Potts failed to notify Racing Australia or Racing NSW of Bonnie Vale’s death, despite the horse not being officially retired.
Penalty: $200 fine.

Charge 4: Under AR299(2), Mr Potts disposed of Bonnie Vale without prior written approval or providing a veterinary certificate for the cause of death.
Penalty: $200 fine.

Charge 5: Under AR296(2)(d)(i), an inspection on 2 April 2025 revealed five horses under Mr Potts’ care had inaccurate details listed on their Stable Returns.
Penalty: $500 fine.

In determining the penalties, Stewards considered Mr Potts’ early guilty pleas, the seriousness of the breaches, his cooperation with the inquiry, and the importance of equine welfare standards in the Thoroughbred racing industry.

Taking into account partial concurrency of suspensions and the totality principle, Stewards suspended Mr Potts’ trainer’s licence for 6 months, effective from 14 May 2025 to 14 November 2025. Under AR283(7), the start of the suspension was deferred for seven days; however, Mr Potts is prohibited from starting a horse in that window.

He was also issued a total fine of $900.

Mr Potts was advised of his rights of appeal.