A jockey and horse trainer have been disqualified for six months by the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) for failing to provide proper nutrition to two retired racehorses.
Trainer Julieann Lancaster and jockey Mark Barnham were banned in relation to the treatment of horses Marquant and Perfectly Aligned at their central Queensland property.
In a statement, the QRIC said the pair was charged with animal welfare offences after stewards visited the couple's Rockhampton property and found the horses in poor health and in need of proper food and care.
The stewards' report found the offences occurred "leading up to and including" February 21, 2022.
QRIC commissioner Shane Gillard said the breach was taken very seriously.
"It the responsibility of all racing participants to ensure the health and welfare of their animals, whether racing or retired, is of a high standard," he said.
"It's disappointing that our stewards found these two horses in poor condition."
The QRIC said the stewards' assessment was later confirmed by a veterinarian, and Ms Lancaster and Mr Barnham were found guilty of the animal welfare rule breach.
In considering the penalty, stewards considered the negative impact the actions had on the racing industry and the need for penalties to be a deterrent.
Regulations under the Australian Rules of Racing stipulate that any person in charge of a horse must provide proper nutrition at all times.
The commission said it issued a notice to the couple to improve the horses' conditions and they had since recovered.
After the disqualification period, Ms Lancaster and Mr Barnham will be eligible to re-apply for their licences.
