LEADING trainer Ciaron Maher has been suspended for six months and fined $ 75,000 after pleading guilty to charges stemming from conman Peter Foster’s ownership of five horses in his stables.
Maher, who has been charged with conduct prejudicial to the image, interests or welfare of racing, apologised for his conduct to the Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board.
The suspension starts from next Monday after Maher organises a replacement — who has to be approved by stewards.
The tribunal was told Maher did not act when he should have surrounding the ownership of top mare Azkadellia and four other horses.
Counsel for Racing Victoria stewardsdemanded a disqualification while Maher’s legal team has asked for a suspended suspension “allied to a fiscal penalty”.
The board said a suspended suspension was not appropriate.
A Caulfield Cup-winning trainer, Maher was not asked to give evidence at the tribunal.
Stewards alleged Maher’s former racing manager Ben Connelly was used as a foil for the notorious Foster, who stewards actually say owned Azkadellia, Hart, Loveable Rogue and Mr Simples.
Connelly allegedly bought Azkadellia and the other horses for a price much lower than expected.
Maher has been charged under rule 175A, relating to conduct prejudicial to the image, or interests, or welfare of racing.
The charges levelled against Maher included alleged “improper and/or dishonourable action”.
The stewards allege Maher took no steps to notify them of suspicions he may have had relating to the ownership of the horses.
Maher, whose stable boasts rising stars Jukebox, Merchant Navy and champion stayer Jameka, has about 100 horses in work.
The ownership of horses in his care has been under investigation after Connelly received Azkadellia for only $ 60,000 in August 2015 following a transfer of ownership.
Industry experts say the true value of the Group 1 mare was closer to $ 2 million.
At one point, it was claimed the mare was owned by Arabella Racing Pty Ltd, a company owned by Foster’s niece Arabella Foster.
Connelly resigned as Maher’s manager some months ago. He also faces serious charges.
Azkadellia has been banned from racing by stewards. The winner of $ 1.5 million in prizemoney hasn’t raced since running second in the Group 1 Tatt’s Tiara in Brisbane in June last year.
At the time of the charges being issued, Foster was on remand in a NSW prison awaiting trial on fraud charges relating to a failed online gambling business.
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