RWWA Stewards yesterday concluded an inquiry conducted into reports received from RWWA Stewards Compliance officer Ms Freya Norman and RWWA Racing Industry Veterinarian Dr Judith Medd into the condition of horses under the care of licenced harness racing trainer Ms Tammy Horn-Walker.
Ms Horn-Walker pleaded guilty to a charge under Harness Rule of Racing 218 in that she as the person having responsibility for the welfare of the Standardbreds ALL AMERICAN BEAUTY, ZZZAFFERANO and HARD TO FORGET had failed to care for those horses properly which resulted in ALL AMERICAN BEAUTY found to be in a very poor condition with a Body Score of 1/5 and ZZZAFFERANO and HARD TO FORGET found to be in poor condition, both horses having a Body Score of 1.5/5, when inspected on 29 August 2017 by RWWA Racing Industry Veterinarian Dr Judith Medd.
After considering all factors in relation to the matter Stewards today determined to disqualify Ms Horn-Walker for a period of nine (9) months, backdated to 21 September 2017, the date Ms Horn-Walker was stood down.
In considering penalty Stewards took into account:
- Previous penalties issued for related matters.
- The seriousness of the matter and the need for deterrence to reinforce and maintain the high standards of animal welfare that apply within the industry as a whole.
- The acknowledgment of the offence by Ms Horn-Walker
Harness Stewards Inquiry – Trainer Tammy Horn-Walker
Barbara Scott – Chief Steward Harness
Ph: 9445 5176
barbara.scott@rwwa.com.au