Kean and Marston disqualifications reduced on appeal

The Racing NSW Appeal Panel has reduced the disqualification periods imposed on Alex Kean and Chynna Marston following a review of multiple horse welfare and compliance charges.

Kean had originally been disqualified for six years, while Marston received a seven-year ban. After partially upholding aspects of their appeals, the panel substituted five-year disqualifications for both participants, running from September 6, 2023 until September 6, 2028.

The most significant appeal success related to charges concerning the failure to provide veterinary treatment to six horses suffering prolonged elevated temperatures and diarrhoea.

The panel found the allegations were established in relation to only three horses – Melomaniac, Gave Me You and Scene of the Crime – reducing the scope of the original findings.

Marston achieved an additional success when the panel dismissed a charge alleging she failed to provide Racing NSW with access to a Bowning property for a welfare assessment.

The remainder of the appeals were dismissed.

The panel upheld findings relating to failures to provide sufficient nutrition and appropriate welfare care to multiple thoroughbreds. Kean’s appeal against findings involving the destruction of a horse without veterinary certification, as well as several breaches of steward directions, was also unsuccessful.

In its reasons, the panel described the offences as objectively serious, noting they involved multiple horses and related to the “core obligations” of ensuring the welfare of thoroughbreds through proper nutrition and veterinary treatment.