Racing WA stewards have disqualified trainer Mike Santich for five months after finding he struck a horse multiple times during trackwork at Ascot.
An inquiry determined Santich breached the Rules of Racing on two occasions, striking the horse twice in the head and twice in the abdomen during a session on May 7.
Stewards heard evidence from RWWA head of veterinary services Dr Judith Medd, along with submissions from Santich, before handing down their decision.
A four-month disqualification was imposed for the first charge and a three-month disqualification for the second, with two months to be served concurrently, resulting in a total penalty of five months effective immediately.
In assessing the penalty, stewards took into account Santich’s long involvement in the industry, his admissions and his previously clean record.
However, they emphasised the seriousness of the conduct, the need for deterrence and the expectation that such behaviour has no place in racing.
Stewards also noted that, despite the incident, no injury was sustained by the horse.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by racing authorities to uphold welfare standards and ensure appropriate treatment of horses across the industry.
