Racing couple Julieann Lancaster, Mark Barnham guilty of animal welfare breach
A Rockhampton horse trainer and a jockey have been disqualified after being found guilty on an animal welfare charge.
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Rockhampton couple, race horse trainer Julieann Lancaster and jockey Mark Barnham, have been disqualified after being found guilty of an animal welfare breach.
Queensland Racing Integrity Commission announced on Friday it had disqualified the two racing participants for six months for failing to provide proper and sufficient nutrition to two racehorses.
QRIC said the pair was charged under the rules of racing after stewards conducted a stable inspection at their Rockhampton property and found retired racehorses Marquant and Perfectly Aligned in poor health and in need of proper food and care.
Under the Australian Rules of Racing, a person in charge of a horse must not fail at any time to provide proper and sufficient nutrition for a horse.
“The steward’s assessment was confirmed by a veterinarian, and the licensees were found guilty of the animal welfare breach of the rules,” QRIC said in a statement.
“QRIC stewards highlighted the negative impact that the couple’s actions had on the racing industry.
“The severity of the penalty reflects this, combined with the Commission’s desire that this serves as a deterrent for the industry.”
Queensland Racing Integrity Commissioner Shane Gillard said animal welfare was paramount and the nature of this breach of animal care was something QRIC would always take very seriously.
“It is the responsibility of all racing participants to ensure the health and welfare of their animals, whether racing or retired is of a high standard, and it’s disappointing that our stewards found these two horses in poor condition,” Mr Gillard said.
QRIC said an animal welfare direction to improve the animals’ condition was issued, and at this time, the condition of both animals had improved to a suitable standard.
The decision states that Ms Lancaster and Mr Barnham can appeal the decision of QRIC.
QRIC said Ms Lancaster and Mr Barnham would be required to reapply for their licences at the end of the disqualification period.
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