Harness Stewards Inquiry – Trainer Michael Geurds
Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA) Stewards have finalised an inquiry into the actions of trainer M. Geurds, after receiving a report from RWWA Investigators regarding his 26 day old foal.
At an inquiry on 23 January 2020, M. Geurds pleaded guilty to a charge under Harness Rule of Racing Rule 218.
Harness Rule of Racing 218: A person having responsibility for the welfare of a horse shall not fail to care for it properly.
Particulars: That M. Geurds failed to care for his foal properly by tying it to an exercise jogger for the purpose of educating the foal when the foal was not an appropriate age or experienced and this resulted in the foal becoming distressed and unable to maintain its footing on three occasions.
- Geurds had his trainers licence suspended for 6 months, effective 9 March 2020.
In determining penalty stewards took into account:
- The serious nature of the offence as it relates to horse welfare.
- That the foal did not suffer any physical injuries.
- The guilty plea.
- Matters of general and specific deterrence.