Racing WA stewards conducted an inquiry on 7 August 2024 into a report from Racing WA investigators concerning modifications that were found to have been made to a horse walker at the stable address of Trainer Phil Duggan and the retirement details supplied by him to investigators during a stable inspection conducted on 26 July 2024.
At the inquiry evidence was taken from:
- Racing WA Regulatory Veterinarian - Dr C McMullen
- Racing WA Investigator – Mr B Bird
- Harness Trainer – Mr P Duggan
Mr Duggan subsequently pleaded guilty to the following charges:
Charge 1 HRR 213(b)
Particulars relating to the modifications made to his horse walker by attaching a spiked board to prevent the horse from stopping which had potential to cause injury to the horse.
Charge 2 HRR 218
Particulars relating to failing to care for the gelding Trunkey Fetch by not seeking veterinary treatment after the horse was found to be suffering from illness on return to the stable after a race meeting on 23 July 2024.
After adjourning to consider submissions made on penalty, stewards have determined the following:
Charge 1: Six (6) month disqualification.
Charge 2: Six (6) month disqualification.
Stewards direct that the terms of disqualification for the two charges are effective immediately and are to be served concurrently.
In determining penalty, stewards took into account the following factors, including, but not limited to:
- Mr Duggan’s guilty pleas and personal circumstances.
- Mr Duggan’s over 50-year involvement in the racing industry with no prior offences in relation to horse welfare.
- That there was no evidence that the use of the modified walker had resulted in injury to any horse.
- Mr Duggan’s co-operation through all stages of the inquiry and his immediate acknowledgement of guilt and remorse
- The seriousness of the matter and the need for deterrence to reinforce and maintain high standards of animal welfare that apply within the industry.