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Racing NSW Stewards today conducted an inquiry into the treatment and management of the 6YO mare Angie Emm after racing at Coonabarabran on Saturday, 18 February 2023 and the events prior to it being euthanised on veterinary advice on 23 February 2023, whilst in the care of licensed trainer Mr Brett Robb.

Evidence was taken from licensed trainer Mr Robb, stable foreperson Ms Shannen Llewellyn, Racing NSW Official Veterinarian and Welfare Officer Dr Rose Bensley, Racing NSW Stipendiary Steward Mr Kyle Blanch and Mr Robb’s stable veterinarian Dr Ross Pedrana.

Mr Robb was issued with the following charge:

Charge AR231(1)(b)(iii) – Care and welfare of horses

The details of the charge being that, licensed trainer, Mr Brett Robb, did fail to provide veterinary treatment to the thoroughbred racehorse Angie Emm, when it was necessary in that:

1. He is a licensed trainer and was the trainer Angie Emm at all relevant times.
2. On 18 February 2023 Angie Emm took part in Race 5 at the Coonabarabran race meeting.
3. At the conclusion of the race, licensed stable foreperson Shannen Llewellyn noticed that the mare had an injury to its near foreleg. Racing NSW Veterinarian, Dr Bensley attended to Ange Emm and following an examination identified the mare to be lame 4/5 in the near foreleg and consequently provided the appropriate treatment to Angie Emm
4. Ms Llewellyn was advised by Dr Bensley that the stable vet would need to examine the horse on its return to the Dubbo stables within 24 to 48 hours. Ms Llewellyn contacted Mr Robb via telephone and told him of the injury and the need for the vet to attend.
5. On that evening Mr Robb communicated with Mr Blanch who advised him of the requirement of a veterinary report for Angie Emm.
6. On Wednesday, 22 February 2023 veterinarian Dr Ross Pedrana was at Mr Robb’s stables examining other horses, however, was unable to examine Angie Emm as there was no staff to assist him. Dr Pedrana consequently provided Angie Emm with appropriate medication.
7. On Thursday, 23 February 2023 Dr Pedrana conducted a thorough examination of Angie Emm and found her to be 4/5 lame in the near foreleg. An x-ray revealed bilateral fracture of both sesamoids with significant fragmentation. It was recommended that the horse be euthanised. This took place that day in consultation with Racing NSW Stewards.
8. He consequently failed to provide veterinary treatment to Angie Emm in the recommended time frame after being advised that such treatment was necessary.

Plea: Guilty   

PENALTY 

The Stewards considered the following matters when determining an appropriate penalty:

• Guilty plea and forthright evidence
• Professional and personal circumstances.
• Genuine remorse displayed for this breach of the rules.
• Mr Robb’s licensing history and his good reputation and standing in the industry.
• That whilst Mr Robb did fail to adhere to the directions to have the horse examined by his stable vet in the recommended time frame, Stewards were satisfied that he did arrange for staff to attend to the mare’s injury on a daily basis which included the provision of pain relief medication to Angie Emm prior to Dr Perdana’s inspection of the mare.
• Principles of specific and general deterrence and what message is sent to the industry in respect to such conduct in relation to the welfare and treatment of horses.
• Purpose of issuing penalties as a protective measure for the image and interests of the thoroughbred racing industry.

Penalty: 6 months suspension, wholly suspended under the provisions of AR283(5) for a period of 2 years on the terms that Mr Robb does not breach any rule in respect of the care and welfare of horses during that period. In addition, Mr Robb was fined $10,000. Having regard to the mitigating factors in the penalty considerations set out above, the fine was reduced to $7,500.

Relevant Rules:

AR 231 Care and welfare of horses

(1) A person must not:

(b) if the person is in charge of a horse – fail at any time:

(iii) to provide veterinary treatment to the horse where such treatment is necessary for the horse;

AR 283 Penalties

(5) Any person or body authorised by the Rules to penalise a person may in respect of any penalty imposed in relation to the conduct of a person and other than in relation to a period of disqualification or a warning off, suspend the operation of that penalty either wholly or in part for a period not exceeding 2 years, on terms they think fit.