Group 1-winning mare Azkadellia (NZ) (Shinko King {Ire}) has been stood down from being entered to race while her ownership is investigated by Racing Victoria stewards, according to Racing.com. Ben Connolly is registered as the sole owner of Azkadellia, the winner of last season's G1 Queen of the Turf S., as well as three other horses under the care of trainer Ciaron Maher, for whom he works as racing manager.
Stewards are permitted under the rules of racing to reject any nomination or entry without giving reason, and stewards have declined to comment on the investigation. The Courier Mail had reported earlier this year, however, that convicted conman Peter Foster was being investigated on suspicion that he held an undisclosed interest in Azkadellia, which he reportedly denied.
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