Robert O'Neill, The Stronach Group's (TSG) director of equine health and safety since 2014, has resigned from the position, according to Bill Badgett, TSG's executive director of Florida Racing Operations, who said that O'Neill sent a letter of resignation to the state four or five days ago.
“He has some medical issues going on right now that are pretty serious that he has to take care of,” said Badgett.
O'Neill's resignation coincides with a recent video that has surfaced on social media of O'Neill engaging in a verbal altercation with a member of the Gulfstream Park staff, in which O'Neill uses derogatory language.
Badgett acknowledged the video, but emphasized how O'Neill's resignation was precipitated by his ongoing medical issues. “The video wasn't the reason he resigned,” said Badgett.
A separate picture has appeared on social media, of an official sign purporting to show O'Neill barred entry to TSG's Florida facilities. “That was a mistake, and it was taken down an hour after it was up,” said Badgett of the sign.
“[O'Neill] did a phenomenal job when he was here,” Badgett added. “He was an asset to the company. Really hate to see him go.”
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