Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Stewards conducted an Inquiry yesterday following an investigation that commenced on 13 July 2015 in relation to the circumstances that resulted in the death of the registered standardbred Major Post.
A HRNSW investigation established that Major Post had been spelling at Silver Sharpe Lodge located at Cobbitty under the care of Mr Fenech.
It was further established that Mr Fenech mistook Major Post for another horse and transported the horse to Luddenham Pet Feeds where it was destroyed.
Mr Fenech was interviewed by HRNSW Investigator/Steward, Mr Chris Paul, on 21 July 2015 and initially provided false information, before informing Mr Paul of the exact circumstances that resulted in the death of Major Post.
Mr Fenech pleaded guilty in relation to two (2) charges pursuant to Australian Harness Racing Rules (AHRR) as follows:
CHARGE 1- Pursuant to AHRR 187
187. (2) A person shall not refuse to answer questions or to produce a horse, document, substance or piece of equipment, or give false or misleading evidence or information at an inquiry or investigation.
(7) A person who fails to comply with any provision of this rule is guilty of an offence.
CHARGE 2- Pursuant to AHRR 218
218. A person having responsibility for the welfare of a horse shall not fail to care for it properly.
In respect of the charge pursuant to AHRR 187, Mr Fenech was issued with a $2000 fine.
In respect of the charge pursuant to AHRR 218, Mr Fenech was disqualified for a period of 9 months to commence immediately.
In determining penalty, Stewards gave consideration to the full circumstances of this matter, Mr Fenech’s guilty plea and his conduct in recanting the initial false and misleading information.
Stewards were also mindful of Mr Fenech’s involvement in the harness racing industry and other personal subjective facts, including financial hardship.
Harness Racing NSW (HRNSW) is the controlling body for harness racing in New South Wales with responsibility for commercial and regulatory management of the industry including 31 racing clubs across the State. HRNSW is headed by an industry-appointed Board of Directors and is independent of Government.
Reid Sanders