The Australian Trainers’ Association released a statement on Wednesday saying its members “deserve a level playing field” and that “rules are not optional” amid a major integrity investigation.
Flemington trainer Nick Ryan is currently the subject of a stewards’ investigation after two syringes containing a banned substance were found in a glovebox of a car on Derby Day.
Ryan, whose horses were withdrawn from races this week, is yet to enter a plea.
Flemington vet Luke Campbell is also assisting stewards with their investigation. Betsy is not alleging any wrongdoing by Campbell.
In its statement, the ATA “reaffirmed its position that all licensed trainers must strictly adhere to the conditions of their licence and the Australian Rules of Racing”.
The statement also said that “the integrity of our sport, the welfare of our horses and the livelihoods of our constituents depend on a strong, transparent and consistently enforced regulatory framework”.
“Every trainer, upon being granted a licence, accepts a clear and binding obligation to comply with the Rules of Racing and the conditions of their licence. These rules are not optional,” ATA chief executive Stephen Bell said.
“They exist to protect the horse, the participant, the punter and the public’s confidence in racing.
“The ATA will always support its members through proper process, but we will never condone conduct that breaches the rules.”
Bell said despite the negative publicity over the past week, “the vast majority of trainers do the right thing”.
“Those who choose to breach the rules, who gain or seek to gain an unfair advantage, or whose actions bring our industry into disrepute, must face appropriate retribution through the established stewards and tribunal processes.”
“The vast majority of trainers do the right thing, every day, under significant pressure. They deserve a level playing field. Strict enforcement is not about punishment alone — it is about protecting the hardworking, compliant majority of our constituents.”
