Sky presenter Chynna Marston hit with animal cruelty charges

Sky Racing presenter Chynna Marston has been hit with animal welfare charges for mistreatment of horses she looks after.

Marston, 28, and her fiancé Alex Kean have each been charged by Racing NSW following an investigation into the care of thoroughbreds on their farm near Canberra.

The pair were placed on Racing NSW’s exclusion list last week, meaning they are not allowed to receive any horses until the stewards have completed their investigation.

They have been asked to defend themselves at Racing NSW headquarters next Wednesday during a stewards’ inquiry in Sydney, News Corp.

Marston has been charged with failing to provide adequate nutrition to 12 thoroughbred horses and to provide veterinary treatment to six horses in her care.

Marston and her fiancé Alex Kean (left) will defend themselves at an investigation next week

She has maintained her innocence with a series of social media posts

In addition, she has been accused of behaving in a manner that was “harmful to the image, interests and integrity or welfare of racing by failing to ensure the welfare of thoroughbred horses.”

Her fiancé, Kean, has also been charged with four counts, including allegedly destroying a thoroughbred and failing to confirm the decision to “destroy that horse with a vet.”

Marston has been backed down by Sky Racing since the investigation began and has maintained her innocence with a number of social media posts.

“I am fully cooperating with the NSW Racing investigation and I look forward to all allegations being proven untrue and being able to take care of the horses I love so much again,” she said earlier this month.

A Sky spokesperson said: ‘Chynna has stepped down pending the outcome of a Racing NSW investigation.’