For immediate release
Date of issue 19 June 2019
MADABOUTTHECHASE INQUIRY - 17 JUNE 2019 - CHRISTIAN SALTER (TRAINER) & CHRIS LEAHY (OWNER)
Panel - D Tyson, L Lord.
On 17 June 2019 Stewards concluded an inquiry into the reasons for the gelding Madaboutthechase being found in poor body condition with unresolved injuries which lead to its subsequent euthanasia on 19 March 2019.
Trainer of Madaboutthechase Christian Salter was found guilty of a breach of Australian Harness Racing Rule 218 which states “A person having responsibility for the welfare of a horse shall not fail to care for it properly”.
The particulars of the charge were that as the trainer of Madabouthechase after the gelding was injured in a track accident on 8 January 2019, he failed to provide ongoing veterinary consultations when it would have been proper to do so. This occurred from 2 February 2019 until 19 March 2019. During this time the horse’s condition continued to deteriorate until the horse became an emergency veterinary case due to its poor body condition and chronic injuries and was subsequently euthanized.
Owner Chris Leahy pleaded guilty to a breach of Australian Harness Racing Rule 218 which states “A person having responsibility for the welfare of a horse shall not fail to care for it properly”.
The particulars of the charge were that he as the owner of Madabouthechase, after the gelding was injured in a track accident on 8 January 2019, failed to provide ongoing veterinary consultations when it would have been proper to do so. This occurred from 2 February 2019 until 19 March 2019. During this time the horse’s condition continued to deteriorate until the horse became an emergency veterinary case due to its poor body condition and chronic injuries and was subsequently euthanized.
After taking submissions on penalty both Mr Salter’s and Mr Leahy’s licences were disqualified for 12 months effective from midnight 17 June 2019. In arriving at this penalty stewards were also mindful of the fact that animal welfare is of paramount importance to the image and integrity of racing and that it must act as a specific and general deterrent.
Office of Racing Integrity Stewards
DOMINIC TYSON CHAIRMAN
