A Mackay thoroughbred horse trainer has been suspended from training for a year after being found guilty of striking an animal in his care.
Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) stewards inquired into the allegations that trainer Mark Cochrane mistreated a thoroughbred racehorse in his care.
QRIC Commissioner Ross Barnett said a Senior Stipendiary Steward saw Mr Cochrane beating the horse ‘Stone Philosopher’ around the head and body with a length of PVC piping at Mackay’s Ooralea Racecourse on 7 March 2017.
“This type of behaviour towards racing animals is not acceptable, and stewards have acted immediately to punish this trainer for his actions,” he said.
“Incidents of this type are relatively rare, most racing industry participants treat their animals with the highest level of care and respect at all times.
“Rare occasions like this, disappoint the industry majority who are passionate about animal welfare.
“The QRIC has acted swiftly and Mr Cochrane will pay the price for mistreating this race horse.
“Further matters were also heard relating to two counts of Mr Cochrane failing to attend an Inquiry at the direction of a Steward and the failure to ensure a horse was led prior to sunrise by a person wearing an approved reflective vest.
Mr Barnett said Stewards found him guilty of all charges, fined him a total of $400 and suspended his license to train thoroughbred horses for one year.
“Mr Cochrane was given five business days to transfer the horses in his care and he was made aware of his rights of appeal,” he said.
