Racehorse trainer in Victoria Police sex abuse probe

Sexual abuse allegations against a racehorse trainer are at the centre of a new Victoria Police investigation.

Exclusive: Victoria Police has launched an investigation into historical sexual abuse allegations against a racehorse trainer.

New information has come to light in recent months about alleged abuse of jockeys and other stable employees in the 1980s and 1990s at Flemington racecourse.

“Bayside Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team detectives are investigating a report of historic sexual offending in Flemington,” Victoria Police said on Friday.

“As the investigation is ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment at this time.”

Details of the new investigation come as Racing Integrity Commissioner Sean Carroll launched a review into how the industry handles sexual abuse complaints on Friday.

Thoroughbred, harness and greyhound racing bodies in Victoria backed the move.

Racing Victoria has confirmed it will co-operate with police over any inquiry into abuse claims.

It is the second time police have received information about the racing industry figure, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

Racing Integrity Commissioner Sean Carroll.

A complaint against the trainer was previously made to police but the probe stalled.

Racing Victoria has confirmed it would assist police with any investigation into sexual abuse.

“It is not our place to make comment on any matters that may or may not be the subject of a police investigation,” it said in a statement.

“In general terms, Racing Victoria has a collaborative working relationship with Victoria Police and fully cooperates with any inquiries they make of us in the course of an investigation.”

The industry’s governing body also confirmed it passes on any complaints to police.

“If a complaint pertaining to a physical or sexual assault is received by Racing Victoria, where appropriate and subject to the wishes of the individual, such allegations are referred to police for investigation and confidential counselling is offered,” Racing Victoria added.

Racing Victoria has confirmed it would assist police with any investigation into sexual abuse.

“Consideration is also given as to whether the circumstances amount to a breach of the Rules of Racing.”

Mr Carroll said his review was much needed.

“The time is right for the industry to better understand our past, reach out to all who have been affected, listen to them, learn from their experiences, offer them support and improve how we respond to them – both individually and in the workplace,” he said.

“The Review will ensure that we have best practice processes and systems in place to provide safe and respectful workplaces for everyone who works in the Victorian racing industry.

“I acknowledge the Victorian racing controlling bodies’ commitment to supporting the Review and recognition that what happens away from the track is as important to the integrity of racing as what occurs on the track.”

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Originally published as Racehorse trainer in Victoria Police sex abuse probe