O’Shea appeals ban after vet clash

Group 1 winning trainer John O’Shea has started an appeal against a four-month disqualification given to him on Tuesday for improper conduct towards Racing NSW veterinarians Carly Garling and Claire Moore.

As part of the decision, O’Shea’s training partner Tom Charlton was issued an interim licence, so Linebacker and Yorkshire can line up in Saturday’s George Ryder among other stable runners on Golden Slipper day.

O’Shea’s penalty will be deferred for seven days and start on March 24; however, in that time, he is not allowed to start any horses, thus the need for Charlton’s interim licence.

O’Shea pleaded guilty to three charges of improper conduct in the swab area of Rosehill racecourse after the unbeaten Bev’s Nine was scratched on the vet’s advice on February 21.

But repeatedly denied overstepping the mark in his dealings with the two vets in the incident, which was in the view of other participants and officials.

The first charge was for “uttering an improper comment referring to the Racing NSW Veterinarians”

The second and third were he directed improper conduct to Dr Moore and Dr Garling respectively.

Improper conduct charges to a range of officials carry a minimum six-month disqualification, but because of O’Shea’s early plea, it was reduced to four months.

It means O’Shea appeal will only be on the grounds of severity.

The O’Shea-Charlton stable contacted their owners on Tuesday evening, informing them of the ruling, but indicating it will be business as usual.

The appeal panel will decide if O’Shea will be given a stay of proceedings on Wednesday and be allowed to continue training during the appeal process.