The day after it announced by Racing Victoria stewards that four horses under his care, including the Group 1-winning mare Azkadellia (NZ) (Shinko King {Ire}), would be stood down from racing pending an investigation into their ownership, trainer Ciaron Maher told Racing.com he is “shocked and terribly disappointed.” Maher also said the horses' owner, Ben Connolly, would take a leave of absence from his role as Maher's racing manager until the investigation is complete.
“As the stewards have reported of their continued investigations, I have spoken with Ben and we both agree it is in the best interest of the stable and to Ben to take a leave of absence until the stewards complete their investigation,” Maher said. “At present, my main concern is the ban on Azkadellia. Likewise every horse in the yard, the stable staff and I have put in a tremendous amount of time and effort into her spring preparation. I look forward to this matter being resolved as quickly as possible.”
While stewards have declined to comment on the nature of the investigation, the Courier Mail reported in June that convicted conman Peter Foster was suspected of holding an undisclosed interest in Azkadellia, which Foster denied. Stewards had previously placed a ban on three of the four Connolly horses, including Azkadellia, from January to September of last year.
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