Queensland Police Racing Crime Squad assist investigation into alleged Birdsville jigger use

Queensland Police have confirmed they are assisting with investigations into alleged jigger use at trackwork leading up to the iconic Birdsville Cup.

Screenshot of a Twitter photo posted by photographer Sharon Chapman, of jockey Ric McMahon allegedly holding a jigger during trackwork at Birdsville racetrack on August 30.

Queensland Police have joined the investigation into the alleged Birdsville jigger scandal which rocked Australian racing.

Jockey Ric McMahon and trainer Todd Austin were immediately suspended after a picture emerged on social media of what is alleged to be McMahon using a jigger on an Austin-trained horse at trackwork in the lead-up to the iconic Birdsville Cup meeting.

A jigger is a handheld device, usually used in conjunction with a whip, designed to deliver an electric shock to a horse to try and spark a better performance on the track.

A statement provided to News Corp by the Queensland Police Service confirmed police were involved in the probe.

“The Queensland Police Service Racing Crime Squad is assisting Queensland Racing Integrity Commission investigations into the alleged possession of an electronic device at the Birdsville Racecourse on August 30, 2022,” the statement said.

“The offence being investigated is under the Racing Integrity Act 2016, s217(1)(a) – Person must not possess prohibited thing at licensed venue.

“As this remains ongoing, there is no further information we can provide at this time.”

It is understood police will interview the parties allegedly involved in the course of the investigation.

Jockey Ric McMahon. Picture: AAP

Racing authorities have yet to reconvene a stewards hearing into the matter as investigations are still taking place.

The photo allegedly showing McMahon holding a jigger was snapped by renowned racing photographer Sharon Chapman.

Chapman tweeted the photo along with other photos and captioned the tweet: “Great morning at Birdsville track with Todd Austin Racing” before it was later deleted.

Sharon Chapman‘s photo allegedly showing jockey Ric McMahon holding a jigger while riding a horse at Birdsville trackwork.

When the Queensland Racing and Integrity Commission suspended the licenses of McMahon and Austin, they issued a statement which read, in part: “QRIC takes allegations of animal cruelty very seriously.

“One of QRIC’s key functions is to safeguard the welfare of any animal involved in racing, and we will take all steps necessary to protect animals involved in racing.

“If a licence is suspended, a participant cannot partake in any activity relevant to the licence category they hold.”

Originally published as Queensland Police Racing Crime Squad assist investigation into alleged Birdsville jigger use