Mick Quinn in Jockey Club inquiry.

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QUINN TO BE QUIZZED By William Barber, PA Sport

Trainer Mick Quinn is to face a Jockey Club inquiry over allegations that some of his horses have been neglected.

He will see the disciplinary committee after complaints were made to the RSPCA over three horses that had been left out at grass near his Wantage stable.

Quinn, formerly a professional footballer with Portsmouth, Coventry and Newcastle, could be handed a large fine if found guilty.

Jockey Club spokesman John Maxse said: "My understanding is that a complaint was made to the RSPCA and as it was a racing matter and we regulate the sport we were brought into the equation.

"People were sent to check the alleged complaint. A report was compiled and based on that, as well as talking to Mick Quinn and to other people, it was decided there was a case to answer.

"A disciplinary inquiry will take place at a date to be announced."

Quinn took out a training licence in 1997 after assisting Mick Channon for two years and enjoyed his best season last year with 11 winners.

Quinn blamed the bad weather this winter for one of the horses losing condition.

He explained: "We use a paddock about three miles away which we have used to winter horses since I started training and we have never had any complaints.

"We did have four horses in the paddock. We brought a mare in about three weeks before who was in foal and the vet who came down to see her said she looked great.

"It's just one in particular who hasn't done very well.

"It has been a harsh winter, it has been so wet there has not been much grass, and one of them has lost a bit of condition.

"Someone who uses the neighbouring paddock has made a complaint without speaking to me first - it all happened when I was away.

"My staff were down there feeding them twice a day all winter. The horses are back in now and are doing fine."

Quinn recognises that the news could be a major blow to his training career.

"I'm trying to make a name for myself for the right reasons and when you are trying to attract new owners you need this like a hole in the head," he added.

"The game is hard enough without this happening.

"It is very unfortunate as the staff work very hard and love the horses."

-- Anonymous, March 30, 2001

Answers

Do you reckon "he ate all the grass" as well ?

-- Anonymous, March 30, 2001

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