Thoroughbred Stewards Investigation – Trainer Mr Neil Biggs
Racing and Wagering WA (RWWA) Stewards have concluded an inquiry concerning the condition and welfare of several horses as found at the premises of Thoroughbred Trainer Mr. Neil Biggs by RWWA Investigators, in particular, but not limited to, ORADALE’S IMAGE, BOLLYWOOD BELLE and MILITARY HERO.
Following an inquiry conducted via teleconference on 9 April 2020, Stewards issued a number of charges, outlined below. At the inquiries resumption on 24 April 2020, Mr Biggs pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Stewards subsequently determined on 29 April 2020 to find Mr Biggs guilty to all charges and after hearing submission on penalty determined on 5 May 2020 to impose the penalties as indicated.
Taking into account factors in mitigation and principles of totality, the penalties issued were ordered to be served concurrently and backdated to commence as of 11 March 2020, which was the date his licences were suspended pending outcome of the inquiry.
In determining the respective penalties, Stewards took into account all factors, including:
- The racing industries demonstrated record of high standards in animal welfare and unwavering commitment to manifestly maintaining such standards.
- Mr Biggs contributions to racing over a long period of time, particularly in the Goldfield’s region.
- His good record over this long period of time.
- The circumstances and serious nature of the offences and their potential to bring racing into disrepute.
- The need for the penalty to reflect the seriousness of the circumstances.
- Previous penalties issued in relation to welfare related matters.
- The need for matters of animal welfare to be given the highest of priority by industry at all times.
Charge 1 – AR 231 Care and welfare of horses.
- A person must not:
- if the person is in charge of a horse – fail at any time:
- to provide veterinary treatment to the horse where such treatment is necessary for the horse;
Particulars (summarised) – Related to failing to provide veterinary treatment to ORADALE’S IMAGE for a severe right fore pastern injury.
Penalty – 18 months disqualification.
Charge 2 – AR228(b) Conduct detrimental to the interests of racing.
A person must not engage in:
- misconduct, improper conduct or unseemly behaviour;
Particulars (summarised) – That as the person in charge of ORADALE’S IMAGE at all relevant times up to and including 2 February 2020, engaged in improper conduct by failing to respond adequately to it losing body weight leading to it being found in an unacceptable body condition.
Penalty – 12 months disqualification.
Charge 3 – AR228(b) Conduct detrimental to the interests of racing.
Particulars (summarised) – That as the person in charge of MILITARY HERO at all relevant times up to and including 5 February 2020, engaged in improper conduct by failing to respond adequately to it losing body weight leading to it being found in an unacceptable body condition.
Penalty – 12 months disqualification.
Charge 4 – AR228(b) Conduct detrimental to the interests of racing.
Particulars (summarised) – That as the person in charge of BOLLYWOOD BELLE at all relevant times up to and including 5 February 2020, engaged in improper conduct by failing to respond adequately to it losing body weight leading to it being found in an unacceptable body condition.
Penalty – 12 months disqualification.