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Background

About 12:40pm on 21 March 2025, licensed trainer Carlos Antonio arrived at Scone Racecourse with three horses engaged to take part in the scheduled race meeting.

About 12:45pm, Mr Antonio unloaded Thoroughbred horse Time Ruler who became fractious and ran backwards as Mr Antonio led the horse through the car park.

At this time, Mr Antonio held the lead with his right hand, pulled down on the bit and forcibly punched Time Ruler with his right closed fist, impacting the near side abdominal area. The force of the punch caused Time Ruler to jump sideways.

Three industry participants in close proximity witnessed the incident and immediately reported the incident to Stewards. A licensed trainer who witnessed the incident advised Mr Antonio of his displeasure in his actions.

Racing NSW Integrity commenced an investigation and conducted an interview with three industry participants and an employee of Scone Race Club.

On 4 April 2025, Mr Antonio took part in an interview where he made certain admissions. On 7 April 2025, Racing NSW Stewards issued a charge under AR228(b) against Mr Antonio.

Racing NSW Stewards today conducted a hearing to determine the charge issued against Mr Antonio. A brief of evidence compiled by Racing NSW Investigator Nikki Burke was tendered and oral evidence was taken from Racing NSW Official Veterinarian Rose Bensley and Mr Antonio.

Allegations were heard in respect to Mr Antonio using his foot to kick Time Ruler in the near side abdominal area. After considering the evidence, Stewards determined there was insufficient evidence to issue a charge under the rules.

Charge issued against Mr Carlos Antonio

Charge 1: AR228(b)

The details of the charge being that at 12:45pm on 21 March 2025, when leading Thoroughbred horse Time Ruler through the car park at Scone Racecourse, he did engage in improper conduct by holding the lead in his right hand pulling down on the bit and forcibly punching the horse with his right closed fist impacting the near side abdominal area. As a result of the punch, Time Ruler jumped sideways.

Plea: Guilty

Finding: Guilty

Penalty

The following penalty considerations were taken into account:

- Guilty plea
- The contrition and remorse shown by Mr Antonio and his willingness to accept responsibility for his conduct
- Prior serious breach of AR228(b) in December 2023
- Precedent penalties
- Objective seriousness of the conduct
- Mr Antonio’s personal and professional circumstances
- Principle of specific and general deterrence and what message is sent to the industry in respect to such conduct
- The importance of equine welfare for the Thoroughbred Racing Industry prior to, during racing and on retirement
- Purpose of issuing penalties as a protective measure for the image, interests and welfare of the Thoroughbred Racing Industry

Charge 1 – 8 weeks suspension of licence (in full)

Having regard to his guilty plea and other relevant considerations, Stewards ordered that the 8-week suspension be reduced to 6 weeks.

Under the powers afforded by AR283(7), Stewards ordered the commencement of the penalty be deferred for a period of seven (7) days, however, during this period Mr Antonio is not to start a horse in a race.

Accordingly, Stewards ruled the total period of suspension be 6 weeks, to commence on 30 April 2025 and to expire on 11 June 2025.

Mr Antonio was advised of his appeal rights.

Relevant Rules

AR 228 Conduct detrimental to the interests of racing

A person must not engage in:

(a) conduct prejudicial to the image, interests, integrity, or welfare of racing, whether or not that conduct takes place within a racecourse or elsewhere;
(b) misconduct, improper conduct or unseemly behaviour;
(c) improper or insulting behaviour at any time towards a PRA, the Stewards, a Club, or any official, employee, contractor or agent of any of them in relation to the relevant person’s functions, powers or duties;

Division 4 – Penalties

AR 283 Penalties

(7) A person or body authorised by these Australian Rules to suspend or disqualify any trainer may defer the commencement of the period of suspension or disqualification for no more than 7 clear days following the day the suspension or disqualification was imposed, and upon terms and conditions considered fit.

- D.R. Hadley (General Manager – Investigations, Racing NSW)