WARRNAMBOOL trainer Jarrod McLean is vowing to restore his reputation after getting the green light from Racing Victoria yesterday to resume his chequered training career.
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McLean, who pleaded guilty to a horse doping charge last December, was disqualified by the Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board for six months.
The charge related to Prymslea returning an elevated total carbon dioxide (TCO2) level at Mildura on August 30 last year.
The five-year-old galloper ran fourth in the five-horse field.
The Racing Victoria Board had a long debate before granting McLean his licence.
McLean spoke to The Standard last night, from Darwin where he will make an application today to gain a visitor’s licence to train six horses at the rich Darwin Cup Carnival.
He is no stranger to the Darwin Cup Carnival, winning the $130,000 Palmerstone Sprint with Youbolt in 2012.
“I want to restore my reputation again,” the 33-year-old said.
“I’ve got to get things back on track. It’s been a really tough time not only for me but for my family and friends.
“When these sorts of things happen you can either crumble or come out a better person. I reckon I’ve come out a better person.
“I’m lucky my family has been there to support me. It’s for sure I now know who my real friends are now. There have been a few that have stayed solid.”
Racing Victoria chairman of stewards Terry Bailey said McLean had fronted the racing licensing subcommittee on June 17 and was asked to show cause why he should gain his licence again.
“We informed Mr McLean at the subcommittee meeting that we were worried about his disciplinary record,”Bailey said.
“We mentioned his record was not the best and it created some concern to the stewards. “Mr McLean acknowledged to us his record was not the best but assured us his disqualification had cured his problems in regard to the issues which we raised.
“The board has handed down its decision and Mr McLean can resume training straight away.”
McLean’s list of feature race wins includes the 2013 Warrnambool Brierly Steeplechase with Cats Fun, which was ridden by his brother Brad.
The pair also combined to win the JJ Houlahan Hurdle and Australian Steeplechase with Maythehorsebemagic at Sandown this year.
McLean’s previous misdemeanors include being fined $8000 for having a horse with an elevated bicarb reading and $7500 for giving false evidence at an investigation into leading trainer Darren Weir three years ago.
McLean said with the support of owners, he hoped to have 25 horses in work within weeks.
He also plans to reassemble a team of stable workers for his Warrnambool operation.
