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On 7 July 2025, Racing NSW Officials attended the premises of licensed trainer Ms Michelle Teale at Gundagai Racecourse in relation to a stable inspection.

Upon arrival at the location, Officials observed the stabling housing for four (4) active Thoroughbred horses to be in a state that did not comply with the ‘Minimum Standards & Guidelines of Equine Welfare’.

On 8 July 2025, Officials attended a paddock on the corner of Herman/Sheridan Street and Ovid Street, Gundagai. Upon arrival at the location, Officials observed the paddock to be in a state that did not comply with the ‘Minimum Standards & Guidelines of Equine Welfare’.

Officials inspected Thoroughbred horses Cab Perrio and Rockin’ Shamus, both of which were in the charge of Ms Teale. Cab Perrio and Rockin’ Shamus had observably poor body condition.

Racing NSW commenced investigations into the matter and conducted interviews with Ms Michelle Teale and other industry participants. Officials conducted subsequent inspections and compiled welfare and property inspection reports.

As a result of the investigation, on 15 July 2025, Stewards issued four (4) charges under LR114(2)(a), LR114(2)(c) and AR231(b)(i)(B) against Ms Teale.

On 17 July 2025, after inviting and receiving submissions from Ms Teale, Stewards suspended her licence under AR23 pending the hearing and determination of the charges. She was also placed on the Racing NSW Excluded List on an interim basis.

Racing NSW Stewards today (28 July 2025) conducted a hearing to determine the charges issued against licensed trainer Ms Teale.

A brief of evidence compiled by Racing NSW Investigator Anna Tabet was tendered with oral evidence being taken from Ms Teale, Racing NSW Investigator Anna Tabet and Racing NSW Veterinarian Dr Ellie Merritt.

Charges issued against Ms Michelle Teale

Charge 1: LR114(2)(c)

The details of the charge being that, as at 7 July and 8 July 2025, the stables in which Thoroughbred horses, Oriental Dane, Kinelda, Classy Girl and Watch On were located contained limited bedding. Where it was present, it was soiled, moist, compacted and contained severe faeces and urinary contamination. The condition of the stabling did not comply with the standard approved by Racing NSW, nor do they meet the requirements of being adequately maintained or in a clean condition.

Plea: Not Guilty

Finding: Guilty

Charge 2: LR114(2)(c)

The details of the charge being that, as at 7 July and 8 July 2025, the paddocks in which Thoroughbred horses Cab Pierro and Rockin’ Shamus were located were littered with general and stable waste, including but not limited to, wooden pallets, furniture, tin sheets, plain wire, barbed wire, rubbish, barbeque and debris. The condition of the paddocks did not comply with the standard approved by Racing NSW, nor do they meet the requirements of being adequately maintained or in a clean condition.

Plea: Not Guilty

Finding: Guilty

Charge 3: LR114(2)(a)

The details of the charge being that, as at 9 July 2025, she was the licensed trainer and/or person in charge of, or in possession, control or custody of Thoroughbred horses Cab Pierro and Rockin’ Shamus. Racing NSW Officials and a Veterinarian assessed the health and welfare of horses at this time and found them to have body conditions scores ranging between 1 and 1.5. The poor body condition of the horses was due to insufficient nutrition, either entirely or in part.

Plea: Guilty

Finding: Guilty

Charge 4: AR231(b)(i)(B)

The details of the charge being that, as at 9 July 2025, she was the licensed trainer and/or person in charge of, or in possession, control or custody of Thoroughbred horses Cab Pierro and Rockin’ Shamus. Racing NSW Officials and a Veterinarian assessed the health and welfare of horses at this time and found them to have body conditions scores ranging between 1 and 1.5. She did fail to exercise reasonable care, control and supervision of the aforementioned horses to prevent the horses body condition based on veterinary advice declining to an unacceptable level.

Plea: Not Guilty

Finding: Guilty

Penalty

The following penalty considerations were taken into account:

- Pleas entered
- Objective seriousness of the conduct
- The contrition and remorse shown by Ms Teale and her willingness to accept responsibility for her conduct
- Precedent penalties
- Ms Teale’s personal and professional circumstances including illness
- 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: LR114(2)(c) – 1 month suspension of licence (to be served wholly concurrent with Charge 3)

Charge 2: LR114(2)(c) – 1 month suspension of licence (to be served wholly concurrent with Charge 3)

Charge 3: LR114(2)(a) – 9 months disqualification of licence reduced to 6 months

Charge 4: AR231(b)(i)(B) – 9 months disqualification of licence reduced to 6 months (to be served wholly concurrent with Charge 3)

The Stewards have determined that, given the nature of the breaches, charges 1, 2 and 4 will be served wholly concurrently with charge 3. Having regard to mitigating factors, the total period of disqualification will be 6 months, commencing on 17 July 2025, being the date Ms Teale’s licence was suspended under the provisions of AR23. The disqualification will expire on 17 January 2026.

Ms Teale was advised of her appeal rights.

RELEVANT RULES

LR114(2)(a)

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