Trainer Guest admits unnecessary suffering charge

Racehorse trainer Richard Guest, who as a jockey won the Grand National on Red Marauder in 2001, admitted a charge over a horse that had to be put down last year after developing a severe leg infection. Guest, 41, pleaded guilty at Durham magistrates...

Racehorse trainer Richard Guest, who as a jockey won the Grand National on Red Marauder in 2001, admitted a charge over a horse that had to be put down last year after developing a severe leg infection.

Guest, 41, pleaded guilty at Durham magistrates court this week to causing unnecessary suffering by failing to exercise reasonable care and supervision.

He was given a two-year conditional discharge with £4,730 costs, the BBC reported.

Prosecutor Kevin Campbell said the case had been brought on the basis that Guest was in charge of the stable. Head lad Richard Dalton and head girl Louise Tidman admitted failing to provide veterinary care and were also given conditional discharges.

Deputy District Judge Mary Hayes said she had considered a community order but had not found any callous disregard for the welfare of the horse.

Paul Struthers, PR manager for the Horseracing Regulatory Authority (HRA), said any disciplinary hearing would likely result in a fine as opposed to Guest losing his licence.

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