Victorian trainer facing welfare charges

Licensed trainer Anthony Cranston faces charges from Racing Victoria Stewards for allegedly failing to provide necessary treatment to an injured horse, which ultimately led to the animal being euthanised.

The investigation revolves around an incident that occurred on April 29 this year, involving an unnamed two-year-old filly (Vino Rosso x Macca The Great). The filly sustained an injury and was later euthanised due to the severity of her condition.

Racing Victoria has brought two charges against Cranston under Australian Rule (AR) 231(1)(b)(iii) and AR 231(1)(b)(ii) (as an alternative). These rules pertain to the care and welfare of horses, specifically:

AR 231 Care and Welfare of Horses

(1) A person must not: (b) If the person is in charge of a horse, fail at any time: (ii) To take such reasonable steps as are necessary to alleviate any pain inflicted upon or being suffered by the horse; (iii) To provide veterinary treatment to the horse where such treatment is necessary for the horse.

Summary of Charges

Charge 1: On April 29, 2024, between 9:00 am and 7:00 pm, Cranston allegedly failed to provide necessary veterinary treatment to the horse.

Charge 2 (Alternative): On April 29, 2024, between 9:00 am and 11:00 am, Cranston allegedly failed to take reasonable steps to alleviate the pain being suffered by the horse.

The Victorian Racing Tribunal will hear the charges against Cranston on a date yet to be determined.