Birchley given shot

THE Queensland Racing Integrity Commission is standing by its decision to allow Liam Birchley to continue to train in Queensland, despite a ruling by Racing NSW to not accept nominations for his runners.

Birchley’s Villiers winner Crack Me Up has been transferred to Bjorn Baker’s stable to resume in Saturday’s Liverpool City Cup at Randwick.

After considering written submissions made on behalf of Birchley and the evidence provided by Racing Victoria in relation to the Aquanita doping investigation, RNSW deemed that accepting a nomination “would undermine the image, interests and integrity of racing in NSW”.

Birchley is also not permitted to race horses in Victoria.

Queensland Racing Integrity Commissioner Ross Barnett said the situation could change, but last week’s ruling to allow Birchley to train on in Queensland remains. Birchley has pleaded not guilty to three charges laid on him by RV.