Court relief for trainer Padmanabhan

MUMBAI: The Bengaluru Civil Court has dismissed the Bangalore Turf Club’s (BTC) appeal for a stay on the court’s decision to halt a two-year suspension imposed on trainer S Padmanabhan due to his horse, Adjustment, testing positive for Tildren last year.

As a result, Padmanabhan, a highly esteemed trainer with over four decades of experience in India and abroad, is now permitted to continue training horses while the case is ongoing.

Last Thursday, April 25, the Civil Court had initially stayed Padmanabhan’s suspension, prompting BTC to appeal the decision, citing potential damage to its reputation. However, the court declined BTC’s request.

The ruling, delivered by City Civil And Sessions judge M H Annayyanavar, observed that the principles of natural justice were not followed in the case of Padmanabhan.

Padmanabhan expressed his satisfaction with the judgment to TOI stating, “I am pleased with the decision. I have done nothing wrong. After a year of immense mental strain, I am delighted to return to training.”