Aidan O’Brien fined over controversy regarding Cape Blanco by the British Horseracing Authority
The British Horseracing Authority penalized the trainer Aidan O’Brien in a hearing on Wednesday for the controversy regarding his racehorse Cape Blanco. He was fined 10,400 pounds - 1,400 for disobeying the stewards and 9000 for
breaking the conduct of horseracing in Britain (rule (A) 30.1) - along with a stern warning, with the disciplinary panel stating: “The Panel wishes to note that if Aidan O’Brien were to breach the Rules in similar circumstances again the Panel would have no
hesitation in acting to restrict the ability of Aidan O’Brien horses to run in Great Britain.”
O’Brien had confessed in the panel hearing that he had broken the rules and the panel decided that “he had acted in a manner prejudicial to the proper conduct of horseracing in Great Britain” by not allowing his colt Cape Blanco
to run in front of the veterinarians again after he claimed victory in the Totesport Dante Stakes that took place in York back in May.
Apart from the Cape Blanco controversy, O’Brien was also found guilty of giving instructions to his travelling head groom (Pat Keating) that were contradictory to the stewards’ requests. At this hearing, the BHA did not penalize
his head groom Pat Keating.
Cape Blanco was checked by the vets on the racecourse following its victory at the Dante Stakes and was reportedly found to be lame. However, O’Brien refused to have the horse trotted in front of the vets for a second time.
Talking to the correspondents at that time, O’Brien was reported as saying, “We got him back down to the yard and got it iced and poulticed, and the lads got him comfortable and ready for home. And what happens next? The vets come
down and say they want to see the horse trotting - not for his benefit, but for theirs. It's the most insane thing I've ever heard. Why would you want to trot him again on a bruised heel and cause him more pain?"
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