Follow Up Report

TABCORP PK MENANGLE 14/01/2025

Race 4, OUR ULTIMATE BONNY

On 14 May 2025, Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Stewards concluded an inquiry into the circumstances of OUR ULTIMATE BONNY being identified, via a post-race veterinary examination, to be suffering a condition and/or an injury to the left eye after competing in Race 4 at the Tabcorp Park Menangle meeting conducted on 14 January 2025.

As part of the inquiry evidence was taken from the following persons:

  • Dr Daniella Justus (Raceday Veterinarian)
  • Mr Benjamin Swan (Trainer of OUR ULTIMATE BONNY)
  • Mr Zac Steenhuis (Previous trainer of OUR ULTIMATE BONNY)

    Documentary evidence from Dr Angela McLeod and veterinary records from Randwick Equine Centre were also considered.

    Following the initial veterinary findings on 14 January 2025, OUR ULTIMATE BONNY was stood down from racing until a veterinary clearance was provided. This was subsequently provided and OUR ULTIMATE BONNY returned to racing.

    After taking further evidence from licensed trainer Mr Benjamin Swan at the resumption of the inquiry he was issued with a charge under the provisions of Australian Harness Racing Rule 30(1) which states:

    30. (1) The trainer or the person in charge of a horse that is included in the final acceptors for a race shall inform the Stewards as soon as practicable if the horse has been injured in any way or suffered any illness or condition that may affect its running in the race.

    The particulars of the charge being that as the trainer of OUR ULTIMATE BONNY, which was included as a final acceptor in Race 4 at the Tabcorp Park Menangle race meeting conducted on 14 January 2025, he did fail to inform Stewards that OUR ULTIMATE BONNY was suffering a condition and/or an injury to the left eye which may have affected its running in the race.

    Mr Swan pleaded guilty to the charge.

    In assessing penalty Stewards considered the following factors:

  • Mr Swan’s guilty plea and good prior record;
  • His relative inexperience as a trainer;
  • General and specific deterrence;
  • The need for any penalty to reinforce the importance of this rule to ensure participant welfare and safety and to ensure wagering confidence;
  • Previous penalties imposed in similar circumstances.

Stewards accordingly imposed a fine of $2,000 and ordered half of the penalty be suspended for a period of 2 years provided there are no further breaches of this rule and/or any horse welfare related rule.

Mr Swan was advised of his right of appeal.