Moody Fires At Regulators After Horse Scratched
Trainer Peter Moody was again the subject of a raceday medication controversy Wednesday when a horse under his care was scratched at Pakenham Park after receiving a treatment Wednesday morning, according to Racing.com. The horse, Lady Tatia (Aus) (Duke of Marmalade {Ire}), had mistakenly had a medicated poultice applied by a stable employee, something Moody told the television channel is a daily practice. Moody accepted responsibility for the error, but was critical of the rule that saw his horse scratched.
“The rule says the stewards may withdraw, not must, but they chose to withdraw,” Moody told Racing.com’s Shane Anderson. “I thought a common sense approach could have been brought into it. I’ve done the wrong thing–penalize me, don’t penalize the owners. It’s not going to affect the outcome of the race or confidence in betting.”
Moody explained a team from Racing Victoria visited his stable Tuesday morning and discovered the poultice.
“This is the same compliance team that visited my stables on Oct. 4 last year and have subsequently investigated me since, and haven’t found any evidence of me causing administration of cobalt to Lidari, haven’t found any evidence of me sourcing it or anything to do with it, but they still see fit to charge me for administering the drug to the horse. I’m starting to think it’s gone beyond being realistic.”
In an emotionally charged interview, Moody said he could hand in his training license.
“It becomes frustrating,” he said. “It is my fault and my responsibility, and I’ve got to accept that unfortunately, but it’s getting hard to wear and it’s becoming a pretty thin line in the sand.”
Moody said that 18 months ago, Racing Victoria considered planting a ‘mole’ in his stable as an employee to gather evidence on him. The trainer said, “They obviously believe I’m a cheat. If that’s the case, surely they all need to hand in their briefs because they’ve been incompetent not being able to catch me.”
“I hope I don’t have to walk away from the industry but I’m in a situation where I can,” Moody said, adding that he wouldn’t consider training in another state or country.
“I’d be unemployable after this, unfortunately, but I think someone has to make a stand and make these people answerable for some of these ridiculous decisions that have been forced upon industry participants,” he said.
Terry Bailey, chief steward of Racing Victoria, confirmed that putting a mole in the stables of Moody and other trainers was something that was considered, but never carried out.
“With respect to Mr. Moody’s comments regarding the proposed engagement of an individual to assist in surveillance across stables, I can confirm that the stewards considered the concept a few years ago, however, we decided not to proceed,” he said in a statement.
NSW Racing Industry Consultation Group chairman and NSW Trainers Association chief executive Steve McMahon, as well as Sydney champion trainer Chris Waller, spoke out in support of Moody Wednesday, calling on Racing Australia to make changes.
“This week RICG unanimously resolved to approach Racing Australia over a lack of proper consultation,” McMahon told Racenet. “We want meaningful consultation as we feel they need to take into account more of the impact all these charges have on the horse and participants.”
Waller told Racenet, “I’d like to take this opportunity to throw my support behind Peter Moody. I just think what’s happened today is quite, I wouldn’t say unbelievable–it just seems to be happening every week in racing. Aren’t we all here for the better of the sport? Shouldn’t we be here promoting our sport rather than just bringing it down?”
“I challenge Racing Australia to start doing that, bring us all together, get us back on track because we’ve got an amazing sport,” Waller added. “We’re all about integrity. Our sport is tested and regulated harsher than any other sport.”
Click here for Peter Moody’s full interview on Racing.com.