Gangland figures hit races after bans lifted

A mob of Australia’s high-profile gangland identities flocked back to the racetrack after their banning notices were withdrawn in a shock move.

EXCLUSIVE

A mob of Australia’s high-profile gangland figures flocked back to the racetrack after their banning notices were withdrawn.

It can be revealed that dozens, possibly hundreds, of exclusion orders banning underworld identities from Victorian racecourses and Crown Casino have slowly been revoked since at least 2020.

A tranche of letters revoking the exclusion orders were sent to between 20 and 30 banned individuals in the past six months, with some attending the Spring Racing Carnival.

Secret legal advice given to Victoria Police sparked the flurry of letters.

The force’s chief commissioner has the power to exclude people from race tracks and casinos for several reasons under racing and gaming laws, including a criminal history or other evidence to suggest the person warrants exclusion.

Rocco Arico pictured in Melbourne in October 17, 2016. Picture: Hamish Blair

The bans were introduced during Melbourne’s underworld war in the early 2000s.

Those placed on the exclusion order regime include heavy hitters Mick Gatto, Toby Mitchell, Jay Malkoun and the alleged head of the Calabrian mafia, Tony Madafferi.

Others also placed on the blacklist have since become prisoners, including gangland identities Rocco Arico and Tony Mokbel.

Gatto, Mokbel and murdered drug kingpin Carl Williams were among the first to be hit with a ban.

Murdered drug kingpin Carl Williams.

Victorian gangland member Tony Mokbel being escorted by Greek police officers outside court in Athens, Greece in 2007.

Mick Gatto. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Aaron Francis

Gatto told the Herald Sun he received a letter informing him his ban was revoked about six months ago.

“I think a lot of people did,’’ Gatto said.

“I was told 200 were allowed back. I’ve been going to the races but not the casino to be honest.

“I find it incredible I was banned because I was charged with murder but when I was acquitted it should have been null and void.’’

Antonio (Tony) Madafferi.

A racing official said the “only one left standing’’ was the ban issued to former star jockey Danny Nikolic, who lost a High Court bid to overturn his exclusion order in 2017.

Mr Madafferi, who has never been convicted of a crime and denies any wrongdoing, was also unsuccessful in overturning his ban.

It is unclear if his exclusion order has since been overturned.

Jockey Danny Nikolic leaves the Broadmeadows Magistrate court along with his lawyer Pat Lennon in July 2024. Picture: David Crosling

Victoria Police did not want to comment on the banning orders saga stating it “does not comment on or confirm specific exclusion orders for privacy reasons.’’

It is believed Chief Commissioner Shane Patton will seek to reissue the exclusion orders.

Victoria’s Racing Integrity Commissioner Sean Carroll has been informed of the bans being revoked.

Toby Mitchell leaves County Court in Melbourne in 2021. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Crosling

Two racing enthusiasts the newspaper spoke to were among a number the colourful organised crime identities seen at Flemington Racecourse in the past week.

While one of the men had their ban revoked years ago, the other was enjoying his first day back at the course.

A 2020 letter received by a banned individual from Deputy Commissioner Shane Patton, which has been obtained by the Herald Sun, states: “I will ensure advice is provided to each casino operator, the Victorian Commissioner for Gambling and Racing and the interstate Commissioners of Police of my decision to revoke the casino exclusion order.’’

Another colourful character back trackside said “what they (police) done was illegal.’’

“I got a letter to say I can go back months ago,’’ the recipient said.

“A lot of people got a letter from police that they were allowed back to the casino and the track.’’

Jay Malkoun, former president of the Comancheros, pictured in 2012.

Since 2005, Victoria Police has allowed organisations such as Crown, Racing Victoria, Greyhound Victoria and Harness Victoria to enforce the bans.

Victoria Police has previously said the banning regime was established to reduce money laundering at casinos and racecourses and interrupt consorting and organised crime associates meeting at these venues.

It was also set up to maintain the integrity of casino and racing activities.

Originally published as Gangland figures hit races after bans lifted