Timaru trainer Paul Ayton has been disqualified for supplying false information to a racecourse inspector and making a false declaration about his finances.
Ayton was disqualified for two years on each of three charges, the penalties o be served concurrently. He was also fined $100 for failing to notify the death of the horse Balducci.
A decision on costs has stil to be made. New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) is seeking $5000.
Ayton was found to have supplied false information and hindered an inquiry by racecourse inspector Doug Williams over Balducci.
The false declaration about Ayton's financial position concerned his failure to disclose three substantial creditors to a licensing committee.
The tribunal said it was significant that it was the first time in 24 years as a racecourse inspector that Williams had had to exercise powers in order to obtain some co-operation from the defendant.
Williams began inquiries into the whereabouts of Balducci in November, 1999. The horse had been leased to Ayton but the lease had expired on July 31, 1998 and the horse had not been returned to the lessor.
NZTR was advised in August last year by Ayton that Balducci had been destroyed after a paddock accident. The tribunal said it took into account that Ayton changed his plea with regard to matters affecting Balducci.
Health problems suffered by Ayton were also considered.
Ayton maintained the debts were personal and that the debt of $2353 to the Land Transport Safety Authority was in dispute.
- NZPA
Racing: Ban, fine for trainer
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