State racing body lifts ban Horse trainer still to face court
A CAIRNS horse trainer facing an animal cruelty charge hopes the case will be “cleared up in the near future” after his licence suspension was lifted by the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission.
Alwyn Ross Bailey stands accused of overdriving, overriding or overworking racehorse Ranked while the animal was suffering an injury between October 5 and 20 this year.
Bailey’s licence was suspended from October 23 after he was slapped with an animal cruelty charge under the Animal Care and Protection Act.
This allegedly breached a condition of his licence and his suitability as a licensee.
“Hopefully it will all be cleared up in the near future and we will get on with the show,” Mr Bailey said when he was contacted by the Cairns Post.
“I was a little disappointed that my horses were scratched on Melbourne Cup day (due to his suspension) but that is part and parcel with racing.
“I’m looking forward to getting back to work and training my horses.”
The 61-year-old thoroughbred trainer had sought an internal review of his suspension, which was overturned in the interests of procedural fairness and natural justice.
As a result, his licence suspension was set aside. However, a QRIC spokeswoman could not confirm if there would be a steward’s inquiry as this stage.
The animal cruelty charge remains before the Cairns Magistrates Court.
At the first mention earlier this month, Bailey, through his lawyer, said the case would be contested and a plea of not guilty entered to the charge.
“I have had nothing but support from my owners and we are all keen to get on with everything,” Mr Bailey said.
In fact, the owner of Ranked, Mario Agius, previously told the Cairns Post that he didn’t believe the allegations against Mr Bailey and supported the trainer in court.
The case was adjourned to December 5 and Bailey’s appearance has been excused.
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