Racing NSW investigating trainer John O’Shea over conduct while disqualified
Craig Kerry
Racing NSW officials have launched an investigation into the conduct of Group 1 champion trainer John O’Shea while serving a four-month disqualification.
The Randwick trainer, who has more than 30 group 1 wins, has been disqualified since March 17 after admitting three charges of improper conduct while arguing with two Racing NSW vets after Bev’s Nine was scratched behind the barriers at Rosehill on February 21.
O’Shea was initially banned for four months, before the sanction was overturned on a point of law on appeal before the board replaced it with a two-month ban.
Both O’Shea and Racing NSW appealed this decision to the Racing Appeal Tribunal; The court ruled in the regulator’s favor and reimposed the original four-month disqualification.
The former Godolphin trainer’s operation, which includes stables at Hawkesbury, continues under the management of O’Shea’s training partner Tom Charlton.
People disqualified under racing rules must comply with a long list of restrictions, including associating with licensed participants without approval and participating in any way in the race preparations or training of any horse.
reporter It understands concerns are growing about O’Shea’s behavior on Wednesday when the Charlton-trained Hovland was disqualified at Warwick Farm after winning race four with Tommy Berry.
“When I spoke to Tom and John this morning I got the idea that I was a lot more positive and I give them credit, they didn’t want me to be that positive,” Berry told Sky Racing in the post-race interview when asked about his tactics on the horse.
Racing NSW officials then spoke to Berry and examined his phone. As part of the investigation, stewards also spoke to Charlton and stable apprentice jockey Anna Roper at the meeting.
The investigation continues. If O’Shea is charged and found guilty of breaching the conditions of his disqualification, his ban could be extended.
Under Rule AR 263(4), stewards have the authority to restart the original period of disqualification from the latest date of any violation.
Former Scone trainer Stephen Jones was given a three-and-a-half-year disqualification for race day treatments last year after he was found guilty of attending the Magic Millions sales on the Gold Coast without approval.
O’Shea was a vocal opponent of the Australian Turf Club-owned proposal to sell the Rosehill Gardens racetrack course to the NSW government for $5 billion; Supporters say the move will future-proof NSW thoroughbred racing. ATC members voted against the sale in May last year.
O’Shea has been contacted for comment.
