Independent Stewards Panel report charges four industry participants

Pressure is building after the Racing Minister demands complete industry ‘integrity’. This comes as the findings of the independent Stewards Panel report were revealed.

Ben Yole and three others have been charged under the Australian Harness Racing Rules after the independent Stewards Panel handed down its findings.

Four men have been charged following an investigation into allegations of animal cruelty and race fixing in the harness racing industry.

An independent stewards panel handed down its findings on Tuesday, after allegations were raised in a report by racing integrity expert, Ray Murrihy.

A report by the former Racing NSW chief steward into allegations of team driving, race fixing and animal welfare concerns in the Tasmanian harness racing industry was announced in March 2023 and delivered to the following November.

Mr Murrihy’s findings were subjected to an inquiry by an independent panel of stewards.

Three men who were named in the report have now been charged under the Australian Harness Racing Rules, in relation to one of 15 races mentioned by Mr Murrihy, along with the mistreatment of horses.

A fourth man has also been charged for not co-operating with the investigation.

No Spring Secrets (Nathan Ford).

“The participants who have been charged – Nathan Ford in regard to his actions during race nine at Launceston on 26 February 2023, Ben Yole and Tim Yole for the mistreatment of horses in a wash bay and Corey Bell for not co-operating with the investigation – will now have an opportunity to respond by October 14 prior to a final determination by the panel,” acting director of racing Robin Thompson said.

“Evidence relating to three other issues is still being examined and the panel will determine any further action by October 14.”

Satisfied Grin (Tim Yole). Picture: PETER STAPLES

Both Ben and Tim Yole have been issued with show cause notices “regarding them being fit and proper persons to maintain aharness trainer licence”.

Racing Minister Jane Howlett, said the report represented the next step in restoring faith and rebuilding trust in Tasmania’s racing industry.

“This is a legally robust and thorough report that makes substantial findings of unacceptable behaviour and actions,” she said.

“I am appalled and quite frankly, disgusted, at the findings and I am pleased action has now been taken.

“As minister, I demand a Tasmanian racing industry where people care for their animals and participate with integrity in this important industry that supports so many jobs and so many small businesses out there in communities across rural and regional Tasmania.”

Minister for Racing Jane Howlett. Budget Estimates 2024. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Luke Edmunds MLC at the budget estimates in Parliament on Monday 23rd September 2024. Picture: Linda Higginson

Labor’s shadow racing minister Luke Edmunds said those named in the independent Stewards Panel Report should be stood down immediately.

“Allowing them to continue to race is undermining honest industry participants,” he said.

“Eighteen months after the initial reporting of these shocking breaches and nothing has changed. Charges should have been laid a year ago.

“The Liberals have done enormous damage to Tasmanian Racing. The response has been shambolic and completely inadequate.

And independent member for Clark Kristie Johnston said it was a long time coming.

“Finally. The Director of Racing is considering whether Ben and Tim Yole are fit and proper people to hold a harness trainer licence. Finally.” she said.

“It’s a mark of gross incompetence by the Office of Racing Integrity that it’s taken so long.

“It’s been such a convoluted, uncertain process to issuing these men with show-cause notices that it will forever be an embarrassment for Tasmanian racing.

“I welcome the laying of charges but given the lack of successful prosecutions I won’t be holding my breath.

“I hope I am proven wrong and that these individuals will never be allowed to race again or be responsible for the care of any animal.”

Originally published as Independent Stewards Panel report charges four industry participants