Horse trainer admits mare cruelty

Richard Guest admitted unnecessary cruelty

A trainer and Grand National-winning jockey has admitted animal cruelty following the death of a mare.

What's A Filly had to be put down after she developed a leg infection while at Richard Guest's County Durham stables.

He admitted to Durham magistrates one charge of causing unnecessary suffering to the animal by failing to exercise reasonable care and supervision.

Guest, 41, of Brancepeth Manor Farm, was given a two-year conditional discharge and told to pay £4,730 costs.

Head lad Richard Dalton, 41, and head girl Louise Tidman, 34, were also charged in connection with the mare's death, and admitted omitting to provide veterinary care.

They were also given a two-year conditional discharge, and none of the defendants were disqualified from keeping animals.

'Buck stops'

What's A Filly won at 100-1 in Kelso in December 2004 but was put down 12 months later.

She was injured during a race in July 2005 and during her long recovery at Guest's yard developed an infection in her leg.

The severity was only realised when the owners, unhappy at her slow recovery, moved her to another stables where vets discovered the infection was untreatable and she was put down.

The prosecution was brought by the RSPCA.

Kevin Campbell, prosecuting, told the court that Guest should have overseen the horse's treatment.

He said: "The allegation is put on the basis that he was in charge, it was his racing stable, and as such the buck stops with him."

Keith Thomas, for the defence, said that Richard Guest, who won the 2001 Grand National as a jockey on Red Marauder, had lost his business and had suffered "acute mental stress" since the death.

Deputy District Judge Mary Hayes said she had considered making a community punishment but mitigating evidence that the yard was well-run made her think again.

"I do not find there was any callous disregard for the welfare of that animal. There is nothing to suggest that."

The owners of the mare said they were taking legal advice about compensation.

Paul Struthers, PR manager for the Horseracing Regulatory Authority (HRA), revealed Guest is unlikely to have his trainer's license withdrawn.

However, the HRA is still set to hold a hearing into the incident, which may result in a fine.

Mr Struthers said: "We will obtain a certificate of conviction from the court and once that's been received, our disciplinary department will decide whether they need to convene a hearing - although it's almost certain there will be one.

"Given the comments of the Deputy District Judge, such a hearing is likely to result in a financial penalty as opposed to the withdrawal of Richard Guest's licence."