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The Stewards today conducted a hearing of charges issued against former Managing Director of Godolphin Australia Mr Henry Plumptre and Licensed Trainer Mr John O’Shea relative to an inquiry opened on 27 June 2017, in respect to the racehorse Polemic being infected with the notifiable disease or condition strangles in August 2016. Barrister Mr Matthew Stirling assisted Mr O’Shea and Barrister Mr Peter Braham SC assisted Mr Plumptre and represented the interests of Godolphin Australia.

Mr Plumptre

Mr Plumptre pleaded guilty to a charge under AR64K(2), in that he did not report as soon as possible by the quickest means of communication available to Racing NSW, the Principal Racing Authority in NSW, that the racehorse Polemic was confirmed as being infected with the notifiable disease or condition strangles as required by AR64K(2) when he became aware that the racehorse Polemic was so infected, on 5 August 2016.

Mr O’Shea

Mr O’Shea pleaded not guilty to the following two charges

1. AR175(l) of being a party to Mr Plumptre committing a breach of AR64K(2) for not reporting as soon as possible by the quickest means of communication available to Racing NSW, the Principal Racing Authority in NSW, that the racehorse Polemic was confirmed as being infected with the notifiable disease or condition strangles as required by AR64K(2) when he became aware that the racehorse Polemic was so infected, on 4 August 2016.

2. AR175(g) of providing false and/or misleading evidence at a Stewards interview on 16 June 2017 and Stewards inquiry on 26 June 2017 relative to his knowledge that Polemic was confirmed as having tested positive to the notifiable disease or condition strangles.

After hearing additional evidence and submissions made in respect to penalty for the charge issued against Mr Plumptre and guilt in respect to the charges issued against Mr O’Shea the hearing was adjourned to allow the Stewards to give consideration to the evidence and submissions made.