Major owner Sean Buckley allowed to race horses in Victoria after RV settlement

A settlement with Racing Victoria has paved the way for major owner Sean Buckley and his Ultra Thoroughbreds to race horses again in Victoria.

Ultra Tune owner Sean Buckley has been cleared to race horses in Victoria. Picture: Supplied by Network 10.

Sean Buckley’s emerald green, black and white colours will now be allowed to race again in Victoria after an 11th hour settlement by Racing Victoria with his Ultra Thoroughbreds after a long investigation into some alleged breeding practices by his operation.

The Supreme Court was due to hear the case on Monday, but Buckley and his legal team made demands of RV last Thursday to sort the matter and RV agreed over the weekend.

The allegations, not denied by Buckley, were into the use of Artificial Insemination of embryo’s of star mare Miss Andretti and Strikeline (the mother of champion sprinter) Nature Strip to his stallion Addictive Nature.

An investigation was started in February and the ban was from March 31 though Buckley’s horses were permitted to run in other states.

Racing Victoria alleged the Buckley operation wasn’t complying with their requests for all information.

“They interviewed 27 of my staff, all our phone and computer records and myself as well, we co-operated 100%,” Buckley said.

“There was never any intention to register the foals as we knew that was a breach of the rules, the idea to simply get the mares on foal, flush their ovarian ducts, which would then get the mares a better chance to get in foal the next year, I’ve got Miss Andretti ready to foal in the next month,” Buckley said.

Buckley blames a “disgruntled former employee”, who was his former farm manager, for making allegation to Victorian Police and Racing Victoria.

The ban order was made “as the stewards are, and remain, concerned that Ultra Racing (or) Mr Buckley have not fully complied with a direction of the stewards to provide all relevant material to them during the course of an investigation,” a Racing Victoria spokesman said.

Buckley hit back: “Why would I sign an affidavit and possibly perjure myself on the words of a man, who I couldn’t talk to, who couldn’t tell the truth, had lied and cheated and swindled the company, owed me money and was trying to extort me.”.

“I’ve raced horses for a long time, I love the game and I’ve got some exciting young horses coming on, I’m glad to be racing back in Victoria now and look forward to further success and enjoyment now this has been thankfully sorted.”

Ultra Thoroughbreds hope to unveil a couple of Derby prospects in Savabeeel colts Captain Vladimir and Captain Envious at Geelong on Sunday, while his Australian Guineas fourth placegetter Embolism, by his champion sire Shamus Award and who he knocked back a significant Hong Kong offer for, is ready to resume.