John O’Shea vows to fight on after ban despite rule being ruled invalid

John O’Shea has vowed to keep fighting after he was given a two-month disqualification for improper conduct, despite the Racing NSW local rule mandating a six-month disqualification being ruled invalid.

The Racing NSW Appeal Panel quashed the original disqualification for improper conduct toward Racing NSW vets Carly Garling and Claire Moore, ruling the local rule invalid.

O’Shea’s legal team were successful in arguing that local rule altered the Australian Rules of Racing but were surprised by the ultimate decision.

Racing NSW Appeals Panel chair, Lachlan Gyles SC and his panel believed the trainer should still be given a two-month disqualification for his behaviour toward the vets on precedents that predate the local rule being introduced in 2023.

O’Shea immediately applied for a stay of proceedings to continue in his training partnership with Tom Charlton.

While he has pleaded guilty and apologised to the vets, he will look for a further reduction in penalty at the Racing Appeals Tribunal.

Reasons for the decision are expected to be published in coming days by Racing NSW.