Trainer launches appeals after suspension
A country Queensland trainer and his wife suspended for giving false evidence at an inquiry about the welfare of one of their horses have appealed.
Burnett region-based trainer Kym Afford and his wife Sonia Afford, a licensed stablehand, were suspended for three months for telling stewards Interflora Express had been euthanised when he was actually still alive.
Stewards opened an inquiry after Interflora Express was a late scratching at Kilcoy after he reared in the barriers and made heavy contact with the stalls partition on January 4.
The inquiry heard the gelding fractured his right eye socket and the vet administered pain relief medication before providing advice to Mrs Afford.
In giving evidence at the inquiry the Affords stated Interflora Express had been given treatment at their stables at Kilkivan and then humanely euthanised before being buried at a neighbouring property.
Racing Australia had been informed the gelding had been euthanised.
But stewards found the horse had been taken to another property where he was still alive and being treated.
The Affords were then charged with giving evidence at an inquiry or hearing which was false or misleading.
They were suspended for three months which will expire on April 22.
A Queensland Racing integrity Commission spokesperson confirmed the Affords had sought an internal review.