Sadler to consider appealing

TRAINER John Sadler is considering whether to appeal a six-week improper conduct penalty at the Victorian Civil Administrative Tribunal.

The Caulfield-based horseman was on Monday handed the ban by the Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board after pleading guilty to charges laid by stewards in relation to his conduct over the scratching of Observational from the Group Three Eclipse Stakes at Sandown on November 18.

He was charged following comments made during a phone conversation with chief steward Terry Bailey on race morning and again to Bailey and deputy chairman Robert Cram at Sandown later that day. Sadler later apologised and said at Monday’s hearing he had been dragged into the Lovani case as stewards continue investigations into an alleged raceday treatment of the Robert Smerdon-trained mare.

Both Sadler and Smerdon are among trainers who operate under the Aquanita Racing banner. A statement read on RSN927 from Sadler’s legal representative Peter Jurkovsky said the trainer was disappointed with the outcome and the ramifications which flow from the suspension.