Rockhampton trackwork rider Chris Wearne banned for 16 months for allegedly striking a horse

Queensland trackwork rider Chris Wearne is appealing a 16-month ban for allegedly striking a horse with a lead rope and a wooden twitch.

Stewards have handed down a 16-month ban to trackwork rider Chris Wearne after he allegedly struck a horse with a lead rope and wooden twitch.

Rockhampton trackwork rider Chris Wearne has been banned for 16 months for allegedly striking a horse with a lead rope and a wooden twitch seven times.

Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) stewards have investigated video footage supplied to the independent body that shows the alleged incident on “a date in or around September 2021”.

It is believed that the footage was recently sent anonymously to the QRIC by a member of the public which is why the investigation took place three-and-a-half years after the alleged incident occurred.

Wearne, who used to work for Paul Butterworth Racing, is appealing the decision.

Stewards alleged that while trying to groom Menari Magic, the mare bit Wearne on the arm before rearing up, striking Wearne on the forearm.

“It was established that following this incident, Mr Wearne struck Menari Magic with a lead rope on five occasions in the region of the head and twice with a wooden twitch in the region of the head,” a QRIC stewards report said.

“When considering an appropriate penalty, stewards view breaches of this kind very seriously given the significant welfare issues caused by such conduct.

“Further, it can have a detrimental effect on the image of racing, and penalties must serve as a general deterrent to illustrate to the entire racing industry that these activities cannot be condoned.”

Wearne was charged under section AR 231 of the Australian Rules of Racing which prohibits a person from committing an act of cruelty to a horse.

He pleaded guilty to the charge but is appealing the penalty of a 16-month ban, which started on March 31.

“Mr Wearne had shown remorse for his actions during the inquiry and the impact it had on Menari Magic’s wellbeing,” the stewards report said.

“During the course of the inquiry Mr Wearne provided evidence that he was dealing with personal issues outside of the workplace at the time of the incident, which may have exacerbated his behaviour.”

Menari Magic, who has passed away since the alleged incident, won four out of her 26 races and collected more than $200,000 in prizemoney.

The mare last raced in Rockhampton in July last year when she finished 10th in Benchmark 70 race over 1400m.

Originally published as Rockhampton trackwork rider Chris Wearne banned for 16 months for allegedly striking a horse