Sky Racing presenter Chynna Marston and her fiance, Alex Kean, have been hit with multiple charges alleging mistreatment of thoroughbred racehorses under their care. The charges, issued by Racing NSW stewards, have raised serious concerns about equine welfare.
The allegations against Marston and Kean have prompted Racing NSW stewards to summon them to a formal inquiry at the Racing NSW Sydney headquarters on Wednesday, June 28, 2023. The inquiry follows their placement on the “Exclusion List” by Racing NSW, prohibiting them from receiving horses upon retirement until the investigation is completed.
Marston, who has been suspended from her coverage on Sky Thoroughbred Racing during the investigation, took to social media to deny any wrongdoing earlier this month. However, the charges against her paint a troubling picture.
The charges Marston will have to defend at the stewards inquiry include:
- Charge 1: LR114(2)(a)Â Between the period on or around 27 March 2023 and 5 June 2023, did fail to provide sufficient nutrition to 12 thoroughbred horses.
- Charge 2: LR114(2)(d)Â Between the period on or around 14 February 2023 and 27 March 2023, did fail to provide veterinary treatment to the 6 named thoroughbred horses.
- Charge 3: AR228(a)Â Did engage in conduct that was prejudicial to the image, interests, integrity or welfare of racing, by failing to ensure the welfare of thoroughbred horses.
Alex Kean, a registered owner, also faces charges related to the alleged animal welfare breaches. The charges against Kean are as follows:
- Charge 1: LR114(2)(a)Â Between the period on or around 27 March 2023 and 5 June 2023, did fail to provide sufficient nutrition to 12 thoroughbred horses.
- Charge 2: LR114(2)(d)Â Between the period on or around 14 February 2023 and 27 March 2023, did fail to provide veterinary treatment to the 6 named thoroughbred horses.
- Charge 3: LR114(4)Â Did destroy a thoroughbred horse and failed to confirm the decision to destroy that horse with a veterinary surgeon.
- Charge 4: AR228(a)Â Did engage in conduct that was prejudicial to the image, interests, integrity or welfare of racing, by failing to ensure the welfare of thoroughbred horses.
According to the rules of racing, registered individuals are obligated to provide proper care, including nutrition and veterinary treatment, to all thoroughbred horses under their control.
The charges against Marston and Kean were prompted by a formal complaint filed by Claire Gee, daughter of Moruya trainer Mark Gee. She reported concerns about the care of a pony entrusted to Marston’s Recycled Racehorses farm near Yass. The investigation is ongoing, and more owners have come forward with similar claims.
Marston has vehemently denied mistreating any horses under her care and remains firm in her assertion that the horses are well maintained and cared for. Her partner, Alex Kean, has requested additional time to respond to the charges due to his work commitments as a miner.
Racing NSW stewards are taking the allegations seriously and are conducting a thorough investigation. Sky Racing has also initiated its own investigation into the matter. The welfare of racehorses is of utmost importance to the racing industry, and any breaches are treated with great concern.
The outcome of the stewards’ inquiry and the subsequent investigations will shed further light on the allegations against Marston and Kean, determining whether the charges hold true and what consequences they may face if found guilty.