Interesting story from today's SMH. I don't know much about harness racing but it sounds pretty dodgy. Do you have any insight, guys?
Records requested as scandal widens
Chris Roots
August 10, 2011
TWO trainers were given letters at Menangle yesterday as the probe into alleged swabbing irregularities - which resulted in harness racing stewards Paul O'Toole and Matthew Bentley handing in their resignations on Monday - widened.
Trainer-driver Mitchell Reese confirmed he received a letter requesting his phone records, while it is believed trainer Michael Russo was given a similar letter. ''I have nothing to hide,'' Reese said. ''If they want my phone records they can have them.''
The Herald believes the investigation centres on the departed stewards not taking pre- and post-race swabs from certain horses in particular races. When informed of the allegations on Monday, O'Toole and Bentley tendered their resignations.
The investigation into O'Toole and Bentley lasted for more than six months after a member of the stewards' panel openly questioned their integrity. O'Toole was the official starter at many meetings and had the responsibility of choosing horses which were to be swabbed pre-race.
The chief executive of Harness Racing NSW, Sam Nati, has personally taken charge of the investigation, along with the sport's new regulatory manager Reid Sanders. ''This is an extremely sobering occurrence for the industry - there is no getting away from that fact,'' Nati said.
''This investigation is ugly and there will be fallout. However, there is no stone being left unturned. As sad and angry as everybody is right now, this should give participants the confidence that Harness Racing NSW is doing everything in its power to ensure a level playing field.''
Bentley had been considered a rising star on the stewards' panel with a background in law, while O'Toole was veteran steward and starter.
The anger was clear at Menangle yesterday but officials were reluctant to talk about the situation. Nati confirmed ''further letters [were] sent to trainers'' yesterday but would not confirm how many. It is believed to be eight.
The corruption is believed to be endemic within the sport and was not isolated. It is believed one trainer almost exclusively nominated horses for meetings where Bentley was rostered to be chairman of stewards.
NSW Harness Racing chief steward Bill Cable said he was disappointed in the conduct of O'Toole and Bentley.
Racing NSW chief steward Ray Murrihy rang Sanders and offered ''whatever help they needed''. ''It is a terrible matter,'' Murrihy said. O'Toole and Bentley could not be contacted by the Herald last night.
Read more:
http://www.smh.com.au/sport/horseracing/records-requested-as-scandal-widens-20110809-1ikzn.html#ixzz1UZu0canS