Top US trainer Chad Brown in court on charge of 'obstruction of breathing'

Chad Brown, one of America’s leading trainers, appeared in court on Thursday on a charge of “obstruction of breathing” following a domestic disturbance on Wednesday night.

The Eclipse Award-winning handler, 43, is alleged to have pushed a female “down the stairs and choked her” at his home, pinning her to the ground before she was then ejected from the house.

According to WNYT News, Brown’s attorney told the judge at the Saratoga Court House the trainer was defending himself after a female intruder broke into his house during the night.

The defence was dismissed by judge Francine Vero, who added: “This court is not in the business of accusing domestic violence victims.”

Reports in America claim the alleged victim was an exercise rider with whom Brown, who is divorced, was once in a relationship.

Wearing a dark T-shirt with a Pink Floyd logo, camouflage-style shorts and slippers, Brown was led out of the court in handcuffs before being released on a $2,500 cash bail.

Brown made no statement to reporters when leaving the court house.

The New York penal code states that obstruction of breathing, or choking, is a misdemeanor offence punishable by up to a year in prison.

Known for his adeptness at training turf horses, Brown has also twice landed the Preakness Stakes, including with Early Voting this year. Other prominent names Brown has handled include Newspaperofrecord, Sistercharlie, Bricks And Mortar and Cloud Computing.

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