Torquay trainer Bryce Stanaway disqualified for three years

Trainer Bryce Stanaway has been found guilty on seven charges and disqualified relating to a 2020 incident.

The Victorian Racing Tribunal disqualified trainer Bryce Stanaway for three years. Picture: Racing Photos via Getty Images

Racing Victoria’s equine welfare arm is on standby to help disqualified trainer Bryce Stanaway re-home any unwanted racehorses.

Stanaway was hit with a three-year disqualification on Thursday for misconduct relating to an incident at Bendigo racecourse on October 17, 2020.

The Victorian Racing Tribunal found Stanaway guilty of seven conduct-related charges last year.

He pleaded not guilty at the earliest opportunity and has vehemently defended the actions at Bendigo on animal welfare grounds.

Stanaway has 28 days to appeal the severity of the penalty at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

The charges and subsequent disqualification is related to Stanaway shouting at the race day vet and barrier attendants at Bendigo, during their handling of his former mare Moorabool, as well as second bout of verbalising RV officials at his stable three days later.

In evidence during the inquiry, Stanaway claimed he was seeking to protect his horse from potentially harmful treatment.

The VRT on Thursday handed down the penalty, which will see Stanaway lose his licence for three years.

Stanaway, 62, well-known for his feats with the now-retired Crafty Cruiser, told News Corp last August a suspension would force him to “shut the gates”

Stanaway has about 20 horses in work, including eight and nine-year-old geldings Hanaki Warrior and Ventura Highway.

Hanaki Warrior is one of horses who will need to be rehomes. Picture: Racing Photos via Getty Images

Special Privilege, a last-start Yarra Valley winner as a $61 outsider, is currently his highest rated (60) horse.

Nine other horses hold uncompetitive ratings in the 35-49 range.

Stanaway had “nothing to say” when contacted by News Corp on Thursday.

RV confirmed its equine welfare team was aware of Stanaway‘s plight and potential need of assistance moving horses.

The Kiwi expat has successfully rehomed many horses himself, including Moorabool, the injured mare at the centre of the Bendigo incident.

Moorabool was pulled up with an apparent tendon injury.

When Stanaway arrived to inspect the damage he took umbrage to the vet and handlers trying to inject Moorabool with a sedative because the mare resented needles.

Stanaway has prepared one winner and six placings this season from 171 starters.

His carry tally, including four Listed wins, stands at 200 winners from 4738 starters.

Originally published as Torquay trainer Bryce Stanaway disqualified for three years