The largest syndicate operator in Australia has apologised for "shameful" comments made about Co Meath trainer Sheila Lavery.
Australian Bloodstock continues to source its best horses from Europe and won last year’s Melbourne Cup with ex-French-trained runner Gold Trip.
It recently announced the recruitment of last year’s Irish 2,000 Guineas runner-up New Energy, who was trained by Lavery for her brother John Lavery, to join the top Australian stable of Ciaron Maher and David Eustace to be aimed at the prestigious Cox Plate.
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Cock-a-hoop at securing the private purchase after a year-long pursuit, Australian Bloodstock’s Jamie Lovett described him as one of the best horses they had ever bought.
Yet in a now deleted post his co-director Luke Murrell caused outrage among leading racing figures with remarks he made about Lavery’s abiltiy as a trainer.
Joe Foley said on Twitter: “Think Luke Murrell might have missed Shelia Lavery winning the 150k Petingo Handicap last year off a 112 day break and then winning the Listed Noblesse Stakes this year with the 90 rated MORACANA…!! Sheila punching with her small string.”
Bloodstock consultant Michael Donohoe, whose clients include the giant Yulong Investments, responded: "Seems he misses a lot of things Joe.
“Shameful comments about one of the most respected people in Irish racing. Zero class and I’m sure the rest of the Australian racing and bloodstock industry are appalled.”
Following demands for an apology, Murrell issued a statement posted by Australian Bloodstock.
“Very recently I was responsible for a promotional video that went online to market a recent purchase we negotiated in Europe in relation to a horse named New Energy.
“I must admit that my emotions and excitement in relation to the purchase of this horse got the better of me and I used some language in that video which was extremely disparaging, untrue, cruel, malicious and hurtful to the people either mentioned or implied.
“The video and comments by me went online without being edited or checked and I am not going to make any excuses to justify the comments because there is no excuse. None at all.
“But nothing I can say, whether it be emotions or stress or words used to encourage a buyer, nothing at all excuses the comments made by me in the promotional video which were related to some very good people, Sheila Lavery, Robbie Colgan and any person associated with the horse.
“I unreservedly withdraw any comments that have caused harm or distress to those three people, Sheila’s staff and any persons connected to them as family, or friends or colleagues in the racing industry.
“Our company has built a wonderful association with our friends and colleagues all over the world but in particular Europe and my comments can only cause damage to those relationships and cause harm to the subjects of those comments.
“I am aware the video and comments were viewed and heard by many people associated with our industry; trainers, jockeys, breeders, journalists, industry professionals and the racing public and I wish to apologise to you for my comments.
“It is also unfair to our brand and our hard working staff to be associated with those comments which have the capacity to cause so much undeserved harm.
“Again, I apologise for the harm caused to those involved and to anyone who has been distressed by those comments and trust that my mistake will not damage the work we have done. over a long period of time to build professional and personal relationships in this great industry we are involved in.”
Lavery declined to comment.
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