The now infamous Yole stables at Sidmouth must be shut down following the Independent Stewards Panel (ISP) decision to disqualify Ben and Tim Yole from harness racing for three years on cruelty charges.
The final Stewards’ report found Ben and Tim Yole engaged in systematic cruelty to horses, in breach of the Rules of Racing. Those same rules prohibit disqualified persons from have any involvement with harness racing or horses.
The risk here is that Ben Yole will find a work-around by transferring his horses to family members or other industry contacts, and profit from them by proxy. There’s also a risk some horses will be disposed of to the likes of the notorious greyhound trainer, Anthony Bullock, to feed to his miserable racing dogs as has happened in the past.
Given the seriousness of the verdict and penalties, there is surely no future for Yole Stables in harness racing. Far better that the Sidmouth property is shut down and all horses there be rehomed by TasRacing, paid for by the Yoles.
Tasmanians who’ve been revolted by the mistreatment and abuse of horses at the Yoles Stables are entitled to hear from the Racing Minister or TasRacing about the future of those animals and the place where they have suffered to profit Ben Yole.
There is still the outstanding question – about which the Greens have written to the Racing Minister – of whether cruelty charges should also be laid under the Animal Welfare Act 1993.
Now would be a good time for the Minister to provide some clarity on that question too.
