Thoroughbred Stewards Inquiry Trainer Mr Richard Plunkett
RWWA Stewards today concluded an inquiry conducted into a report received from RWWA Investigator Mr Geoff Johnson, RWWA Compliance Officer Freya Bennett and RWWA Racing Industry Veterinarian Dr Judith Medd. Following their attendance at the property of Trainer Mr Richard Plunkett in Pallinup on Tuesday, 24 April 2018 which found a number of horses to be in below average condition with another having an eye injury.
The inquiry commenced on Friday, 3 June 2018 where Mr Plunkett was charged with the following three offences:
Charge 1:
AR.175. The Principal Racing Authority (or the Stewards exercising powers delegated to them) may penalise;
(o) Any person in charge of a horse who in their opinion fails at any time –
(iii) to provide for veterinary treatment where such treatment is necessary for the horse.
Details of the charge: That he failed to provide Veterinary treatment for a brown mare where such treatment was necessary for it having a badly swollen and discharging right eye.
Charge 2:
AR.175. The Principal Racing Authority (or the Stewards exercising powers delegated to them) may penalise;
(o) Any person in charge of a horse who in their opinion fails at any time –
(iv) to provide proper and sufficient nutrition for a horse.
Details of the charge: That he failed to provide proper and sufficient nutrition resulting in approximately six horses being identified as being in poor body condition.
Charge 3:
AR.175. The Principal Racing Authority (or the Stewards exercising powers delegated to them) may penalise;
(k) Any person who has committed any breach of the Rules, or whose conduct or negligence has led or could have led to a breach of the Rules.
Details of the charge: For negligence in failing to trim and maintain the hoof condition of horses kept in a large paddock to the appropriate standards.
The inquiry was adjourned by the Stewards to allow Mr Plunkett to consider the charges and enter a plea. Mr Plunkett then requested a further adjournment to seek legal advice and have his legal representative attend the inquiry which resumed on Friday, 31 August 2018 and further evidence was taken from Mr Plunkett. On Friday, 14 September 2018, Mr Plunkett was advised that he was found guilty to all three charges and after taking submissions in relation to penalty the following penalties were issued:
- Charge 1-Disqualification of six (6) months.
- Charge 2-Disqualification twelve (12) months.
- Charge 3-Fine of $1000.
The periods of disqualification were ordered to be served concurrently and were backdated to 24 April 2018 being the date Mr Plunkett’s trainer’s licence was initially suspended pending the outcome of the inquiry.
In considering penalty Stewards took into account:
- Previous penalties issued for related matters.
- The seriousness of the matters and the need for deterrence to reinforce and maintain the high standards of animal welfare that apply within the industry as a whole.
- His good record over many years with no prior offences under these particular rules
Media Contact:
Brad Lewis- Chief Steward Thoroughbreds
Ph: 9445 5420
brad.lewis@rwwa.com.au