The Stewards last night conducted an inquiry into reports of an incident related to PAKISTAN STAR at the 1800 Metre turf gallop on the morning of Monday, 16 October 2017.  In attendance at the inquiry were the Trainer of PAKISTAN STAR, Mr A S Cruz, his allocated Assistant Trainer for the current 2017/2018 season, Mr W K Mo and Mr C Benton, Deputy Starter, who was on duty at the starting gates on that morning.  Also present was Mr A Speechley, Starter.

It established that Mr Mo used a lunging whip behind PAKISTAN STAR in an attempt to encourage the horse to proceed along the Back Straight and in so doing appeared to make contact with the horse on at least two occasions.

The Stewards were satisfied that at no stage did Mr Cruz direct or instruct Mr Mo to use a whip on PAKISTAN STAR.  Accordingly, no action was taken against Mr Cruz but he was reminded of the requirement for the Club’s Rules and Regulations, particularly in respect of horse welfare issues, to be fully complied with.

Mr Mo pleaded guilty to a charge of contravening Stewards’ Instruction 20(3) in that he did breach the Track Work Regulations which prohibit use of that implement.  Having considered all of the evidence, Mr Mo was fined the sum of $7,500.  He was also informed that a transcript of the inquiry together with a report in respect of his involvement in this matter would be forwarded to the Club’s Stables Management Department for their consideration and necessary action.

Mr Benton has been advised that a report of his involvement will be provided to Management for its consideration