Group One-winning trainer Ciaron Maher has been fined $10,000 for lying in regard to the condition of a horse he scratched at Casterton last month.
Warrnambool-based Maher pleaded guilty to two charges of making a false statement and giving false evidence about Bruno who he claimed was lame.
Stewards scratched Bruno just after 9am from the Casterton Foodworks Hcp (2000m) on May 29 after Maher contacted the Trainers’ Services Centre that morning to inform them the horse had shifted a plate and was lame in the off foreleg.
Maher was also charged with giving false evidence at an inquiry where he said Bruno was lame and unfit to run at Casterton, and that farrier Laurie Paltridge had attended the horse the morning of May 29 when he had not.
The Racing Appeals Disciplinary Board, chaired by Russell Lewis, heard the case on Tuesday and fined Maher $7500 for making a false statement and $2500 for giving false evidence.
Maher, who trained Tears I Cry to win the 2007 Emirates Stakes at Flemington, is also the trainer of dual Grand Annual Steeplechase winner Al Garhood.
AAP TURF
