HRV STEWARDS INQUIRY CONCLUDED.
At the Melton trials on 30 September 2025, trainer Shane Sanderson nominated the two-year-old filly SECRETS KEPT to qualify. Upon official inspection prior to the trials, it was discovered via microchip identification that the filly presented as SECRETS KEPT was in fact CAPTAIN MOLLY. Both SECRETS KEPT and CAPTAIN MOLLY were subsequently correctly identified and competed in their respective trials.
At a subsequent inquiry, it was established that both fillies had entered the stable of Mr Sanderson and were incorrectly identified upon arrival. It was further determined that at the Cobram trials held on 12 June 2025, Mr Sanderson presented SECRETS KEPT instead of the nominated CAPTAIN MOLLY. SECRETS KEPT competed under the understanding it was CAPTAIN MOLLY, officially finishing in second place.
Mr Sanderson pleaded guilty to a charge under AHRR 45(5), which states:
“A person shall ensure that the correct horse is presented to start in a race.”
Particulars of the charge:
- On 12 June 2025, Mr Sanderson incorrectly presented SECRETS KEPT to trial at the Cobram trials instead of the nominated CAPTAIN MOLLY.
- Further, on 30 September 2025 at the Melton trials, Mr Sanderson incorrectly presented CAPTAIN MOLLY instead of the nominated SECRETS KEPT. This error was corrected prior to the trials commencing, and both horses subsequently competed in their correct trials.
In determining penalty, Stewards considered:
- His guilty plea.
- Excellent overall training record over an extended period within the industry.
- Demonstrated remorse and honesty during the inquiry.
- The circumstances which contributed to the error.
Decision:
Mr Shane Sanderson was fined $1,000, with $500 wholly suspended for a period of two (2) years, on the condition that no further breaches of this rule occur during that time.
In addition, under AHRR 65, CAPTAIN MOLLY was disqualified from Trial 2 at Cobram on 12 June 2025.
Stewards will also undertake a review of the processes which led to the failure to identify the error at the trial meeting on 12 June 2025.
