Harness stewards’ inquiry – trainer Hayden Reeves and stablehand Ashleigh Reeves
Racing and Wagering Western Australia stewards conducted an inquiry on Thursday, 9 February 2023, in relation to the conduct of trainer Hayden Reeves and stablehand Ashleigh Reeves towards standardbred Dukes Empire at the Pinjarra Trotting Club on 20 December 2022 when it returned to the stabling area following track work.
The inquiry heard evidence from RWWA Senior Investigator Mr T Walton and RWWA Industry Veterinarian Dr C McMullen in addition to hearing submissions from Mr and Mrs Reeves and their witness, trainer Mr K Prentice.
Mr and Mrs Reeves pleaded guilty to the following charges, with the stewards determining to impose the penalties as indicated below.
When determining penalty, stewards considered, among other things:
• Their pleas of guilty and remorse for their actions
• That this was a first offence after many years of licensed involvement
• That harness racing was their livelihood
• That the degree of force when contacting Dukes Empire was not severe
• That the horse regained its feet shortly after with no evidence of injury and has since returned to racing
• Previous penalties issued to others with respect to related horse handling matters
• The potential for such conduct to bring the racing industry into disrepute
• The need to ensure the highest welfare standards with respect to horse handling, with these actions falling short.
Charges and penalties
Hayden Reeves
Rule 218A
(1) A person shall not mistreat a horse.
(2) For the purposes of this rule ‘mistreat’ means to abuse or treat a horse badly, cruelly or unfairly.
Particulars relating to charge one:
At Pinjarra Trotting Club on 20 December 2022, Mr Reeves, being a licensed trainer, did mistreat Dukes Empire by treating it badly when it returned to the stabling area after significant physical exertion in completing track work by kicking it.
Penalty: $1500 fine with $500 suspended for a period of 12 months
Particulars relating to charge two:
At Pinjarra Trotting Club on 20 December 2022, Mr Reeves, being a licensed trainer, did mistreat Dukes Empire by treating it badly when it returned to the stabling area after significant physical exertion in completing track work by lifting its foreleg four times with the horse falling to its knee and to the ground.
Penalty: $4000 fine with $1000 suspended for a period of 12 months
Ashleigh Reeves
Rule 218A
Particulars of the charge being that at Pinjarra Trotting Club on 20 December 2022, Mrs Reeves, being a licensed stablehand, did mistreat Dukes Empire by treating it badly when it returned to the stabling area after significant physical exertion in completing track work by kicking it.
Penalty: $1000 fine with $500 suspended.