Trainers seek stays of disqualifications

Liam Birchley
Liam Birchley is looking train while his appeal continues.

Liam Birchley and Tony Vasil want to be allowed to continue training while they appeal their disqualifications over the Aquanita race day treatments case.

Birchley and Vasil have gone to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal seeking stays of their respective one-and three-year disqualifications pending their appeals.

Birchley’s barrister Michael Grant-Taylor QC said the Queensland trainer faced extraordinary financial circumstances that were far-reaching and ruinous if he remained disqualified from his calling as a trainer.

The Queensland Racing Integrity Commission is enforcing the one-year ban imposed by Victoria’s Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board.

Barrister Patrick Wheelahan said Vasil, a Victorian trainer, should also be allowed to continue training while he appeals his three-year disqualification.

“His life revolves around horse training and being involved with horses,” Wheelahan told VCAT on Friday.

Racing Victoria stewards are opposing the stay applications.

Barrister Jeff Gleeson QC said RV has yet to decide whether to appeal the leniency of Birchley’s one-year disqualification.

Birchley and Vasil were among eight people disqualified over the Aquanita race day treatment scandal.

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