In a significant development that has rocked the Australian horse racing community, Chynna Marston, a well-known Sky Racing presenter, and her fiancé Alex Kean, have been served with multiple charges pertaining to horse welfare breaches by Racing New South Wales (Racing NSW) stewards.
The charges follow an inquiry into the pair’s care of thoroughbreds at their rural property located near Canberra.
This investigation was triggered by a formal complaint lodged with Racing NSW and the RSPCA by Claire Gee, the daughter of Moruya trainer Mark Gee.
Marston, an influential figure in the racing industry, is set to answer three charges in a Racing NSW hearing slated for Wednesday June 28 2023.
According to the details made public by Racing NSW, the first charge is related to an alleged failure to provide sufficient nutrition to a dozen thoroughbreds between March 27 2023 and June 5 2023.
The second charge raises questions about her treatment of six specific thoroughbreds, claiming she failed to secure veterinary care for them between February 14 2023 and March 27 2023.
The third charge against Marston takes a broader view, condemning her conduct as being “prejudicial to the image, interests, integrity or welfare of racing.”
The charge implies that her actions have allegedly undermined the welfare of thoroughbred horses, which stands in stark contrast to the expectations set by the rules of racing that necessitate registered persons to provide a standard of care, encompassing both nutrition and veterinary treatment.
Alex Kean, Marston’s fiancé, also finds himself in the crosshairs of the Racing NSW stewards, with four charges levelled against him.
Kean faces the same charges as Marston, but with an additional accusation of allegedly euthanizing a thoroughbred horse without consultation or confirmation from a veterinary surgeon.
While the investigation is underway, Marston has been provisionally stood down from her role at Sky Thoroughbred Racing.
Nevertheless, she has staunchly maintained her innocence throughout the process, utilising social media to express her stance on the charges.
She has stated that she is fully cooperating with the NSW Racing inquiry and is eagerly awaiting the chance to prove all allegations false, so she may return to caring for the horses she so dearly loves.
A spokesperson from Tabcorp-owned Sky Racing reaffirmed her current status, stating that she has been stood down pending the outcome of the Racing NSW investigation.
This incident is a stark reminder of the continual emphasis on animal welfare in the world of racing.
It is important to note that these are allegations at this stage, and the investigation’s outcome will be crucial in determining the future path for both Marston and Kean.
The full Racing NSW charges against Martson and Kean read:
On 19 June 2023 by Racing NSW Stewards inquired into allegations of equine welfare breaches under Local Rule 114 by Ms Chynna Marston, a person connected with racing, and registered owner Mr Alex Kean.
Stewards have today issued charges under Local Rule 114 and Australian Rule 228(a).
Charges will be heard at Racing NSW Head Offices – 10am, Wednesday 28 June 2023.
Ms. Chynna Marston Animal Welfare Charges
- Charge 1: LR114(2)(a) Between the period on or around 27 March 2023 and 5 June 2023, did fail to provide sufficient nutrition to 12 thoroughbred horses.
- Charge 2: LR114(2)(d) Between the period on or around 14 February 2023 and 27 March 2023, did fail to provide veterinary treatment to the 6 named thoroughbred horses.
- Charge 3: AR228(a) Did engage in conduct that was prejudicial to the image, interests, integrity or welfare of racing, by failing to ensure the welfare of thoroughbred horses.
Mr. Alex Kean Animal Welfare Charges
- Charge 1: LR114(2)(a) Between the period on or around 27 March 2023 and 5 June 2023, did fail to provide sufficient nutrition to 12 thoroughbred horses.
- Charge 2: LR114(2)(d) Between the period on or around 14 February 2023 and 27 March 2023, did fail to provide veterinary treatment to the 6 named thoroughbred horses.
- Charge 3: LR114(4) Did destroy a thoroughbred horse and failed to confirm the decision to destroy that horse with a veterinary surgeon.
- Charge 4: AR228(a) Did engage in conduct that was prejudicial to the image, interests, integrity or welfare of racing, by failing to ensure the welfare of thoroughbred horses.
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