Champion harness racing driver Anthony Butt has been accused of threatening New Zealand's billion dollar horse racing industry by importing a potentially lethal disease.
The top driver had flown back to Christchurch after starring in two races in Sydney when he sparked airport bio-security fears after failing to declare his muddy driving clothes and gear.
Today at Christchurch District Court, 46-year old Butt pleaded guilty to one charge of a biosecurity breach.
The court heard that Australia is suffering from hendra virus outbreaks, which has killed 76 horses and a horse trainer. It has a fatality rate of 60 per cent for humans and 75 per cent for horses.
Grant Fletcher, lawyer for Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI), said Butt's actions amounted to a "significant and high risk breach" of the Biosecurity Act 1993.
"In this case, Mr Butt knowingly made a false declaration after being potentially exposed to an extremely serious biosecurity risk," Mr Fletcher said.
The MPI lawyer described how horse racing was a huge part of the New Zealand economy, generating more than $1.4b in economic activity in 2004, and creating 18,300 full-time equivalent jobs.
"Any action by those involved in the industry that may damage the industry would lead to significant economic consequences," he said.
On August 28, this year, Butt arrived at Christchurch International Airport having flown in from Sydney.
He failed to declare that in his baggage was harness racing driving equipment, including "very soiled" clothes, boots, galoshes, and goggles.
After fears that he could be bringing in the potentially lethal hendra virus, Butt was taken to a search bench by biosecurity officials.
The court heard that he "deliberately" did not declare his driving gear and told the quarantine inspector he was not working when he was in Australia.
When asked about horse manure on his clothing, Butt said it came from New Zealand.
Officials soon discovered that Butt had ridden in Australia earlier that day, in two races at Menangle, near Sydney at 2.55pm and 4.05pm.
When interviewed under caution, Butt was uncooperative.
He admitted that he had been racing in Australia but claimed "driving in a race wasn't really being in contact with horses".
Butt claimed he'd not used the gear in question while racing, but video footage of the races showed him in those colours as he crossed the finishing line.
He admitted he knew of the bio-security rules, adding it was a "hassle" to clean his boots before returning to New Zealand. Defence counsel Liz Bulger said she was "at odds" with the MPI over what sort of threat the hendra virus is to New Zealand.
"It's fair to say Mr Butt takes some considerable issue he was putting the racing industry in any sort of danger," she said.
Ms Bulger asked Judge Raoul Neave not to enter a conviction until Butt is sentenced on March 14.
Butt, who has won the Dominion Handicap eight times, oversees the training of 35 Premier Stable horses at Templeton, outside Christchurch.
He refused to comment as he was leaving court today.
