Aquis Farm respond to Racing Queensland’s decision to reject Ben Currie’s nominations

Could Racing Queensland’s decision to reject Ben Currie’s nominations be enough to see the return of Aquis Farm to racing in the state? The major Gold Coast racing and breeding operation responds to the move.

A DECISION by Racing Queensland to reject Ben Currie’s for this weekend’s major race meeting at the Gold Coast and other tracks won’t be enough to see the return of Aquis Farm just yet.

Racing Queensland has enacted AR55 and rejected nominations from Currie for Gold Coast’s Hollindale Stakes race day along with scheduled meetings at Gatton and the Sunshine Coast on Friday.

AR55 states: “All nominations are subject to the approval of a PRA (Principal Racing Authority) or stewards. Either may decline to receive or after receiving reject any nomination in their absolute discretion and without giving reasons for so doing.”

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Aquis Farm, one of the biggest investors in Queensland racing and hold the naming rights for the Gold Coast Turf Club, rocked the sport earlier this month when they declared they wouldn’t race again in Queensland until the integrity issues in the state were resolved.

When asked if the news regarding Currie’s absence would be enough for them to return to racing in Queensland, Aquis Farm CEO Shane McGrath said: “Aquis is not part of the Queensland administration and integrity process as it is a mere participant,” McGrath said.

“It is not for us to comment on any particular case, however we continue to monitor the situation in Queensland and hope to be back racing shortly.”

Aquis Farm Deputy CEO Shane McGrath at the Magic Millions sales complex. Picture: Jerad Williams

In cases where Aquis is not the majority shareholder of a horse, they will donate their prizemoney to a nominated charity.

Currie had several horses nominated for the Gold Coast meeting, including stable star Mishani Hustler, who recently won the rich QTIS 3YO Jewel at Eagle Farm.

Gold Coast Turf Club CEO Steve Lines said they were in full support of the decision.

“We are in full support of Aquis in trying to get a change to the integrity of racing overall and this is a step towards that,” Lines said.

“It’s a shame it’s taken such a long time. We support the decisions of the industry body with regards to the rules of racing.”

Racing Queensland released a statement detailing the reasons behind the decision.

“Racing Queensland is to manage and operate codes of racing in a way that ensures public confidence in the racing industry in Queensland.

“RQ has today rejected the nominations from Ben Currie under AR55 for the Lockyer Valley Turf Club (Gatton) meeting on Friday 3 May 2019, Sunshine Coast Turf Club meeting on Friday 3 May 2019 and the Gold Coast Turf Club meeting on Saturday 4 May 2019.

Trainer Ben Currie is seen during the QTIS Jewel Raceday at Aquis Park on the Gold Coast, Saturday, March 16, 2019. (AAP Image/Darren England)

“In taking this action, RQ makes no judgment in relation to the allegations made by the independent Queensland Racing Integrity Commission against Mr Currie.

“RQ has not made any decision about other nominations Mr Currie might make in the future and they will be considered at the relevant time in the circumstances that prevail then.

“RQ will not be commenting further on this matter.”

Currie has consistently indicated he is not guilty at any of the charges levelled against him, since the investigation into his stable activities began in April last year.

Separate to the RQ action, stewards from the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission are currently deliberating on two charges related to the alleged use of an electrical advice.

Currie was due to make submissions on the charges by 4pm Monday.