26 June 2017
HARNESS Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Stewards conducted an inquiry on Wednesday June 21, 2017, into the treatment of an unnamed registered standardbred at the registered training establishment of licensed trainer Mr M Towers on Tuesday May 30, 2017.
Evidence was presented by Mr Towers in relation to his husbandry practices and the training of the horse.
A transcript of an interview with the trainer conducted by HRNSW Steward Mr M Zarb on Friday June 2, 2017, a report by the HRNSW Veterinarian of an examination of the horse conducted on Saturday June 3, 2017, and video evidence was also presented at the inquiry.
It was established that Mr Towers was using a whip in a manner that would not be considered appropriate. The evidence established the horse had incurred no physical injury.
Stewards charged the trainer with an offence pursuant to Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) 213(a) which states:
AHRR 213 A person shall not:-
by use of harness, gear, equipment, device, substance or any other thing inflict suffering on a horse;
Mr Towers pleaded guilty to the charge laid and was issued with a $2000 fine and a 6 month suspension of his trainer’s licence (suspended for a period of 12 months) on the proviso there was no offences involving the welfare of horses in that period.
In determining this penalty, Stewards acknowledged the trainer’s plea and were satisfied that Mr Tower’s had no previous history of this nature, had cooperated fully with the Steward’s inquiries and had demonstrated remorse in regards to his actions.
Mr Towers was informed of his right to appeal this decision.
Harness Racing NSW (HRNSW) is the controlling body for harness racing in New South Wales with responsibility for commercial and regulatory management of the industry including 33 racing clubs across the State. HRNSW is headed by a Board of Directors and is independent of Government.
To arrange an interview or for further information please contact:
MICHAEL PRENTICE | INTEGRITY MANAGER
(02) 9722 6600 • mprentice@hrnsw.com.au
GRAHAM LOCH | CHAIRMAN OF STEWARDS
(02) 9722 6600 • gloch@hrnsw.com.au