LYNDON KEANE reports in the NORTH WEST STAR that the appeal hearing was on May 25 but QCAT reserved its judgement on the matter, meaning the stay of proceedings granted to Mr Seymour in May stood and that he was able to continue training until the decision had been announced.
Mr Seymour was given the six-month suspension after Racing Queensland stewards found him guilty of neglect under Australian Rule of Racing 140A in relation to the incident that led to the death of jockey Corey Gilby last year.
While riding trackwork on November 2, 2011, Gilby was thrown from gelding Under Construction after a bandage on his leg unravelled and caused him to fall.
The young jockey died as a result of injuries sustained in the fall and stewards alleged Mr Seymour was negligent by "failing to secure the bandages with stitching or electrical tape as required by the Nationally Approved Gear Register" and that there was a causal link between his actions and Under Construction falling.
In the announcement on Friday, QCAT advised it was "reasonably satisfied" that Mr Seymour was negligent and that "there was a causal link between the negligence and the horse falling".
Townsville-based law firm Emanate Legal is representing the trainer and solicitor Michael Spearman said the judgement was disheartening.
"Both Mr Seymour and his legal team are disappointed with the decision," he said on Friday afternoon.
"We are considering our options further and seeking advice from our silk [barrister] with regards to the decision."
Mr Seymour has 28 days to appeal the judgement and while it is not yet known whether he will do so, it is likely his legal team will apply for another stay of proceedings if an appeal is lodged.
Until any appeal in regard to the decision is formally lodged, Mr Seymour is unable to have any involvement training thoroughbreds.
STORY SOURCE: NORTH WEST STAR - MOUNT ISA
