Former Australian polo captain Andrew Williams is awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to criminal charges relating to the deaths of 16 polo ponies.
The horses were found dead inside a trailer following a journey to Victoria on the Spirit of Tasmania Bass Strait ferry service in January 2018.
They were on their way back to NSW after a polo event in Tasmania's north.
Mr Williams has pleaded guilty to 16 counts of failing to ensure a horse was individually stalled.
He also pleaded guilty to one count of using a method of management reasonably likely to result in unreasonable and unjustifiable pain and suffering.
Mr Williams is expected to re-appear in Burnie Magistrates Court on July 20.
He fronts Willo Polo club and, according to the company's website, is one of Australia's highest-rated professional players.
Operator of the Spirit of Tasmania, TT-Line, has previously pleaded not guilty to several charges.
The company has denied using a method of management reasonably likely to result in unreasonable and unjustifiable pain and suffering.
They have also pleaded not guilty to 28 counts of failing to ensure a horse was individually stalled.
