Liam Birchey to train on in Queensland

Liam Birchley will be allowed to continue to train in Queensland for the time being pending the result of charge against him in Victoria.

But Queensland officials will have further talks with their Victorian counterparts before making a final decision on Birchley’s ongoing participation.

The particulars of the charge against Birchley are that on three occasions, November 3, 2011, November 6, 2012 and November 3, 2015, he was engaged in a practice that was dishonest, corrupt or fraudulent, improper or dishonourable, in that he was a party to the administration of alkalinising agents and/or medications to a horse or horses on a race day.

Seven other people who worked under the Aquanita banner have been charged with similar offences after an investigation sparked by the alleged raceday treatment of the Robert Smerdon-trained Lovani in October.

Birchley has agreed not to run horses in Victoria until the matter is resolved.

Queensland Racing Integrity Commission boss Ross Barnett and chief steward Allan Reardon examined. Birchley’s case.

Barnett said QRIC was monitoring Racing Victoria’s prosecution of Birchley who had competed in Victoria on a visiting trainer’s permit.

“He was charged last month by Racing Victoria Stewards for an alleged breach and Birchley has provided Racing Victoria with an undertaking not to compete in that state for the remainder of the current racing season,” Barnett said.

“The charge is due to be heard before the Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board of Racing Victoria on a date to be fixed.

“Queensland stewards will consult with their Victorian counterparts before determining if any interim action is appropriate prior to the finalisation of Birchley’s Victorian matter.”

Birchley is one of Queensland’s top trainers with more than 60 horses stabled at Eagle Farm and Archer Park at Woodford.

HIs lawyers have indicated he will plead not guilty.

A directions hearing for the inquiry will be held in Melbourne on Tuesday.