Connolly to face the music in Azkadellia case next week

Brad Waters - Tuesday October 17

The Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board will hear the latest stage of the Azkadellia case next Monday.

Azkadellia still remains barred from racing. Photo: Darryl Sherer

Last month, RAD Board banned Caulfield trainer Ciaron Maher for six months and fined him $75,000 for failing to take steps to know the correct ownership details of Azkadelli and four other horses in his care.

It emerged that conman Peter Foster was involved in the ownership of Azkadellia and the horses, who were transferred into the name of Ben Connolly, Maher's former racing manager.

Connolly will appear on Monday to make submissions relating to a penalty after his legal counsel notified the RAD Board and stewards that he would plead guilty to two charges, the details of which are below.

"Charge 1 – a breach of AR 175(a)

"The Principal Racing Authority (or the Stewards exercising powers delegated to them) may penalise: (a) Any person, who, in their opinion, has been guilty of any dishonest, corrupt, fraudulent, improper or dishonourable action or practice in connection with racing.

"Charge 2 – a breach of AR 56B

"Any person who, in the opinion of the Stewards, fails to declare any share or interest in, misrepresents or provides any misleading or inaccurate information regarding the ownership of a horse, or is a party to any breach of this rule, may be penalised by the Stewards and the horse may be disqualified.

"The particulars are that Mr Connolly engaged in dishonest, improper and/or dishonourable action or practice in connection with racing (Charge 1), and misrepresented and provided misleading and/or inaccurate information through representations to the Racing Victoria stewards and conduct (Charge 2), regarding the ownership of the horses Azkadellia, Little Bubulu, Loveable Rogue, Hart and Mr Simples ."

The hearing will begin at 9.30am.

Advertisment
More Reading...
Juvenile Trial Watch – Rosehill
Two heats at the Rosehill trials on Monday morning over 900m and the quickest of those was won by an expensive son of Golden Slipper winning first season sire Farnan.
Ciaron Maher suspended for six months - $75,000 fine!
Trainer Ciaron Maher has been suspended for six months at the conclusion of the Azkadellia bona fides inquiry.
Te Akau Chasing Another Cup Day Success
Last year’s Melbourne Cup Day concluded in success for Mark Walker in the Gr.3 Hong Kong Jockey Club Stakes (1400m), a race he will chase back-to-back crowns in on Tuesday with Kiwi mare Quintessa.
Melbourne Cup Tips – Tara Talks Racing
Tara Talks Racing is now online having had a Sunday arvo drink or two as we go through the Cup horses, so what do Clocker and I like for this year’s Melbourne Cup?
No questions asked led to Ciaron Maher's six-month ban
Ciaron Maher simply did not ask enough questions and that failure led to him receiving a six-month suspension and a $75,000 fine on Monday.
Kiwi Longshot Hope for Cup
Grant Cooksley came tantalisingly close to getting his hands on the Melbourne Cup as a jockey, and he is hoping to rectify that on Tuesday as a trainer when he lines-up Trust In You in the two-mile feature.
Stewards reject brother or assistant taking over Maher team
Racing Victoria chief steward Terry Bailey has rejected the idea of Ciaron Maher’s brother or assistant trainer taking over his big Caulfield team when he starts a six-month suspension on Monday.
Maher finds replacement trainer for six months
Suspended trainer Ciaron Maher has found a replacement to take over his big team from Tuesday.
Sires With Winners - Monday November 4
Here is the full list of 21 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Kiwi Grey Targets Subzero on Cup Day
The Subzero Handicap (1400m), a race solely for registered grey thoroughbreds, has proven to be a fan favourite at Flemington on Melbourne Cup Day, and this year, Kiwis will have their own grey to barrack for.