Racing NSW investigates alleged contact between trainer John O’Shea and licensed participants

Racing NSW investigators interviewed key participants in the carpark at Wednesday’s Warwick Farm meeting as part of an investigation into whether disqualified trainer John O’Shea had contact with licensed participants.

O’Shea is serving a four-month disqualification for improper conduct and, under the conditions of the penalty, is prohibited from having contact with licensed persons.

The leading trainer had previously operated in partnership with Tom Charlton, who has assumed control of the stable during the disqualification period.

The investigation was triggered following a post-race interview with jockey Tommy Berry after the Charlton-trained Hovland won on Wednesday, during which Berry indicated he had spoken with O’Shea.

“I was a lot more positive this morning after speaking with Tom and John, and full credit to them, they didn’t want me to be that positive,” Berry told Sky Racing.

Investigators subsequently interviewed several participants and examined mobile phones to determine whether O’Shea appeared in recent call histories.

After race five, Charlton’s apprentice Anna Roper was escorted from the jockeys’ room to her car so investigators could inspect her phone, before she was questioned in relation to the matter.

Charlton was also spoken to by an investigator following the conclusion of the Warwick Farm meeting as inquiries continued.

Adding further intrigue to the situation, Racing NSW head of integrity Michael Cleaver is due to finish in the role on Wednesday.

Racing NSW confirmed the investigation to Betsy and said it expects the matter to be finalised early next week.

O’Shea is almost three months into his disqualification. Under the rules, however, any breach could result in the penalty period being restarted.

O’Shea told Betsy he couldn’t comment on the matter at present.