Thoroughbred – Stewards’ Inquiry – Trainer Vaughn Sigley
RWWA Stewards have completed their deliberations and determined the matters of penalty in relation to the report received from RWWA Principal Investigator, Mr P O’Reilly regarding the condition of three (3) thoroughbred racehorses namely FORYOUANDME, POWERNETTO and GOD ALMIGHTY which were located at an agistment property under the control of Trainer Vaughn Sigley situated at Lot 3 Old Mandurah Road, Ravenswood on Tuesday, 14 April 2015.
The subsequent inquiry into this matter lead to the following three (3) charges:
1. Under AR175(k) for negligence in breaching LR80I in that he was negligent in failing to make application to register an employee assisting him in the care of racehorses.
2. Under AR175(o)(iii) for failing to provide veterinary treatment for FORYOUANDME which was found to be showing signs of soreness in the off fore hoof when inspected by RWWA Racing Industry Veterinarian, Dr J Medd on Tuesday, 19 May 2015.
3. Under AR175(o)(iv) for failing to provide proper and sufficient nutrition to three (3)
thoroughbred racehorses over a period of time prior to RWWA Stewards attending the above address on Tuesday, 14 April 2015.
Mr Sigley pleaded guilty to charges 1 and 2 and he was found guilty to charge 3 and the below penalties were applied:
Charge 1. Fine of $200.00
Charge 2. Fine of $1500.00
Charge 3. Fine of $8500.00
In total, Mr Sigley was fined the sum of $10200.00
When considering penalty in relation to the charges the Stewards took into account:
• Mr Sigley’s good record over a considerable number of years with no prior offences under these particular rules.
• His level of remorse.
• That the horses did have access to pasture, despite the failure to adequately address supplementary feeding when the pasture ran low.
• That the offences did not arise as a result of deliberate acts of mistreatment, but from negligence to adequately address good management practices as a result of failure of communication and having adequate supervision of a person acting on his behalf.
That he took immediate action to restore the three horses to good condition and had rectified the overgrown hoof condition of FORYOUANDME when directed to by Stewards.
• The serious nature of the offences.
• The need for deterrence both general and specific.
• That matters of animal welfare must be manifestly maintained at all times.
Media Contact: Brad Lewis – Chief Steward Thoroughbreds Ph: 9445 5420 brad.lewis@rwwa.com.au