Renowned trainer Robbie Laing successfully dodged a suspension, after confessing to neglecting necessary veterinary treatment for two registered broodmares.
The six-month ban handed to Laing was fully suspended for 24 months, due to his commendable track record and the surrounding circumstances.
Charges were filed against Laing last September for failing to provide necessary medical attention to the retired racehorses Private Show and Rock My Fuji. Both horses, found in dire health conditions while under Laing’s care, eventually had to be compassionately put down due to severe pain.
Laing’s attorney Ross Inglis clarified before the Tribunal, “There are significant mitigating circumstances … during the period of time in question Mr Laing was extremely unwell with COVID, in fact he was very close to being hospitalised.”
He further added, “During this time he was under the assumption as per an arrangement in place that a friend would be delivering feed to the mares in question, due to a misunderstanding, that did not occur.”
Judge John Bowman, acknowledging Laing’s impressive history of animal care, agreed that a suspended sentence was appropriate. He expressed, “In this matter there are a number of mitigating factors, including the fact you had been very ill with COVID influenza and unable to attend the paddock where the horses were kept.”
He concluded, confident that Laing would not repeat such offenses in the future.
