NSW trainers Mr Jim Delaney and Mr Cliff Bashford have both been banned for circumstances surrounding the treatment and care of a 2yo filly at which time the filly was humanely euthanised.
Both trainers penalties will be served concurrently with Mr Delaney banned from racing for eight years with the ability to reapply for a license in September 2021.
Mr Bashford was also found guilty on two charges after entering a not guilty plea and will serve a five year disqualification with the ability to reapply for a license in September 2019.
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RacingNSW’s media release:
The Stewards today conducted a hearing into charges issued against licensed trainers Mr Jim Delaney and Mr Cliff Bashford relative to the circumstances surrounding the treatment and care of the 2yo Filly May’haab/Graceful Touch during the period 28 May 2016 and 17 June 2016, at which time the filly was humanely euthanised.
Evidence today was taken from Mr Jim Delaney, who was assisted by solicitor Ms Christine Iwaszkiewicz and Mr Cliff Bashford was assisted by Solicitor Mr Paul O’Sullivan.
Mr Jim Delaney
Charge 1 – AR175(n) Committing and/or commissioning an act of cruelty.
Plea: Not Guilty
Finding: Guilty
Penalty: 5 years disqualification
Charge 2 – AR175(o) Failing to take reasonable steps to alleviate pain inflicted upon a horse and failing to provide the necessary veterinary treatment where such treatment was necessary for a horse.
Plea: Not Guilty
Finding: Guilty
Penalty: 3 years disqualification
Stewards ruled under the provisions of AR196(3) that both penalties to be served concurrently thus allowing Mr Delaney to reapply for a licence on 22 September 2021.
Mr Cliff Bashford
Charge 1 – AR175(n) Committing and/or commissioning an act of cruelty.
Plea: Not Guilty
Finding: Guilty
Penalty: 3 years disqualification
Charge 2 – AR175(l) Being a party to trainer Mr Jim Delaney breaching AR175(o) for failing to take reasonable steps to alleviate pain inflicted upon a horse and failing to provide the necessary veterinary treatment where such treatment was necessary for a horse.
Plea: Not Guilty
Finding: Guilty
Penalty: 2 years disqualification
Stewards ruled under the provisions of AR196(3) that both penalties to be served concurrently thus allowing Mr Bashford to reapply for a licence on 22 September 2019.
Acting under the provisions of AR196(6) Stewards ruled that the disqualifications of both Mr Delaney and Mr Bashford be deferred for a period of seven clear days, however during that period Mr Delaney and Mr Bashford are not to start a horse in any race.
Mr Delaney and Mr Bashford were advised of their rights of appeal.
