Alex Alchin, Jarrod Alchin suspended

New South Wales harness racing trainers Alex Alchin and Jarrod Alchin have been suspended for six months after pleading guilty to a charge relating to animal welfare. 

On Friday 5 August 2016, Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Stewards concluded an Inquiry in relation to the treatment of the registered standardbred STORM BURST at the registered training establishment of both Mr Jarrod Alchin and Mr Alex Alchin on Thursday 7 July 2016 prior to that horse being presented to race at Penrith later that evening. Stewards ordered the withdrawal of STORM BURST from its engagement on 7 July 2016.

The Inquiry commenced on Wednesday 27 July 2016 at which time evidence was presented by Mr Alex Alchin and Mr Jarrod Alchin in relation to the training of STORM BURST and their husbandry practices observed by HRSW Senior Steward/Investigator Mr Chris Paul and HRNSW Investigator Ms Natasha Ackland. Evidence was presented to the Inquiry by HRNSW Investigator/Steward Mr Chris Paul and HRNSW Regulatory Veterinarian Dr Don Colantonio.

At the resumption of the Inquiry on 5 August 2016, Mr Alex Alchin and Mr Jarrod Alchin provided further evidence. In addition, Mrs Stephanie Alchin, licensed stablehand and part-owner of STORM BURST was required to attend and provided evidence regarding STORM BURST and the treatment of that horse on 7 July 2016.

It was established that Mr Jarrod Alchin was observed activating deafeners and applying a driving whip to STORM BURST whilst the horse was wearing a heavy rug and tethered in a wash bay.   No evidence was provided to the effect that STORM BURST had been physically injured.

Mr Alex Alchin, the licensed trainer and part owner of STORM BURST and Mr Jarrod Alchin both pleaded guilty to a charge pursuant to Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR)  213(a) as follows:

AHRR 213      A person shall not:-

by use of harness, gear, equipment, device, substance or any other thing inflict suffering on a horse;

Mr Alex Alchin was issued with a $3500 fine and a 6 month suspension of his Trainer’s Licence (suspended for a period of 12 months). Mr Alex Alchin was informed of his right to appeal this decision.

Mr Jarrod Alchin was issued with a $5000 fine and a 6 month suspension of his Trainer’s Licence (suspended for a period of 12 months). Mr Jarrod Alchin was informed of his right to appeal this decision.

Mrs Stephanie Alchin pleaded guilty to a charge pursuant to Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) 218 as follows:

AHRR 218.     A person having responsibility for the welfare of a horse shall not fail to care for it properly.

Mrs Alchin was issued with a $1500 fine of which $750 was suspended for a period of 12 months. Mrs Alchin was informed of her right to appeal this decision.

Harness Racing NSW (HRNSW) is the controlling body for harness racing in New South Wales with responsibility for commercial and regulatory management of the industry including 33 racing clubs across the State.  HRNSW is headed by an industry-appointed Board of Directors and is independent of Government.

Reid Sanders