Dubai World Cup-winning trainer Michael Stidham has condemned the actions of one of his staff after he was caught slapping her around the head as she was being saddled for a race.
US-based Stidham released an apology on social media after footage of the incident at Turfway Park in Kentucky was posted on Twitter.
The three-year-old filly Chippewa was being attended in the saddling box before a race on Thursday, in which she finished ninth of the 12 runners, when Stidham’s assistant is seen striking her on the neck with an open hand. She finished ninth of the 12 runners.
The behaviour was immediately called out on Twitter with one user commenting, “This is horrible not only are there better and more effective ways to handle a racehorse but, it’s another black eye on the sport in a time where many are working to clean up the sport.”
Another said: “This was not a pat from the groom. He struck her. Unacceptable behavior from a horseman.”
Stidham has trained more than 2,000 winners whose clients include Godolphin. He trained Mystic Guide to win the 2021 Dubai World Cup for Godolphin.
After being made aware of the video, the Stidham stable said the employee’s behaviour was “incompatible with the barn’s typically extremely high standards of horsemanship.”
Stidham issued a statement which said: "Regarding the actions taken by one of my employees before the 4th race on Feb. 23 at Turfway Park: The Michael Stidham Racing Stable condemns any mistreatment or abuse of horses in any form. This type of behaviour, for any reason, is unacceptable in my stable and inexcusable.
“The actions taken by this trusted employee of more than 20 years are entirely out of character. He has been reprimanded and reminded that any mistreatment of any horse under my care is unacceptable and abhorrent. Accountability in our sport is absolutely necessary and I take complete responsibility for this incident.
“I apologise to the racing public, Turfway Park, and all affected parties. I will speak to Turfway Park stewards and accept any action taken against my stable or my employee. We pride ourselves on providing the best care possible for our horses and will reemphasize stable standards after this regrettable incident.”
