FNQ trainer confused by stewards blitz on his stable

A banned FNQ trainer has revealed he did not believe he was breaking the rules of racing when caught administering medication to three horses on race day.

Innisfail horse trainer Greg Strickland was former Melbourne Storm fullback Billy Slater's first employer. PICTURE: MATT NICHOLLS.

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Banned Innisfail trainer Greg Strickland says he did not believe he had broken the rules of racing when caught administering medication to three horses on race day.

The veteran Cassowary Coast horseman was late last month banned for two years over the results of a Queensland Racing Integrity Commission raid on his stable on October 30, 2018.

He was stood down at the time, so the ban will expire on October 26 this year.

Melbourne Storm fullback Billy Slater worked horses for Innisfail trainer Greg Strickland as his first job. PICTURE: MATT NICHOLLS.

Strickland, who began training as a teenager and is now in his 60s, did not think he was doing anything wrong when he administered medication on race day, without permission, to horses Cashed Up Bully, Redwinska and Oakfield Avenger.

Strickland and his family have been through an ordeal since that day in late 2018, investigated by police in regards to animal cruelty, and in early 2019, he pleaded guilty in the Innisfail Magistrates Court to using a “prohibited thing” on a licensed animal.

Innisfail trackwork rider Joel Strickland works horses for trainer Greg Strickland. PICTURE: MATT NICHOLLS.

“The main thing that I wish to advise is that the way I administered the substances, which are all legal – vitamin C and Nuetradex – on the race morning is the only reason I was charged with this offence, to which I pleaded guilty on advice from my solicitor,” Strickland said. “There was no evidence … in respect to cruelty to the animal.

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“All blood and urine samples were returned negative and … I have pleaded guilty, as I did not know at the time that it was illegal to administer treatment by syringe orally over the tongue.

“However, I did know it was illegal to needle or stomach drench one working day prior to a race. I have realised my mistake, have pleaded guilty and been fined $2000 and now would like to regain my trainer’s licence.”

Long-time owners of Strick­land’s horses this week said they doubted if any other owners would give the banned trainer another chance when his ban expires later this year.

Despite that, Strickland, a farrier by trade who has had a trainer’s licence for 45 years, intends to return to training later this year.

“More importantly I have clients who want to purchase more horses and require my training services,” he said.

Innisfail horse trainer Greg Strickland was former Melbourne Storm fullback Billy Slater's first employer. PICTURE: MATT NICHOLLS.

“In life, we all make mistakes and spur-of-the-moment decisions, some right and some wrong. But, that does not make us bad people or criminals, but it is what we do in the long run that defines us.”

The Pease Park-based trainer, charged in late October of 2018 was only delivered his fate by QRIC last month.

“I feel that my case has been mismanaged, causing unnecessary stress for all parties involved,” he said.

According to Racing.com, Strickland has trained 68 winners over his career, at a strike-rate of 12 per cent in his last 50 starters before his ban started.

Originally published as FNQ trainer confused by stewards blitz on his stable