By: Andrew Eddy
Racing Victoria stewards are to decline nominations from Mornington trainer Trent Pennuto until further notice after they forced the scratching of his horse Chatober from Thursday’s Moe meeting after he was allegedly caught stomach-tubing the horse.
Stewards ordered the withdrawal of Chatober at 3.23pm after receiving a report from the Compliance Assurance Team that they observed Pennuto and his licensed stable hand David Price in the process of stomach-tubing the horse at an off-course premises close to the Moe racecourse.
The stewards report continued: ‘’Evidence was taken from members of the Compliance Assurance Team, Trent Pennuto and David Price and a number of items were confiscated including a naso gastric tube, bucket, funnel and a liquid solution.
‘’Swab samples were taken for analysis from Chatober and Nathan Road (who ran seventh in race two) and the liquid solution was also sent for analysis and the matter was adjourned to a date to be fixed.
‘’Further, Trent Pennuto was advised that under the provisions of AR50 his nominations would be declined until further notice.’’
Earlier this week, stewards announced that Pennuto and fellow Mornington trainer Pat Carey were involved in a scuffle at track work.
Stewards allege Carey grabbed the front of Pennuto’s clothing while he was walking a horse and pushed him into the horse stalls before striking him with his right hand.
Carey was charged with improper behaviour or misconduct and will face the Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board on a date to be fixed.
