John O’Shea denied stay of ban as Racing Appeal Tribunal rejects delay bid

Trainer fails in bid to delay suspension, with Racing NSW also set to challenge ruling on invalid rule

The Racing Appeal Tribunal has denied trainer John O’Shea a stay of proceedings on his two-month disqualification for improper conduct towards Racing NSW veterinarians.

O’Shea has appealed the penalty after the Racing NSW Appeals Panel ruled local rule 108 invalid, a rule that mandated a six-month disqualification for improper conduct.

The Appeals Panel overturned Racing NSW stewards’ original four-month ban, instead imposing a two-month disqualification based on precedents prior to the rule’s introduction in 2023.

As a result, Tom Charlton will continue to train the stable in his own right until the appeal is heard, including handling Linebacker in the Doncaster.

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

Racing NSW has indicated O’Shea’s appeal will be expedited to the earliest possible date.

It is also understood Racing NSW will appeal the ruling that deemed the local rule invalid in the same case.