Top cop loaned to Racing NSW to combat potential ‘corrupt activity’
A detective has been seconded to Racing NSW to combat any potential corrupt behaviour within the $10 billion industry. The Sunday Telegraph can reveal the move comes in the wake of animal cruelty and fraud scandals that have rocked Victorian racing.
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A senior police detective with full investigative powers will be provided to Racing NSW in a joint venture to combat any corrupt activity.
In the wake of animal cruelty and racing fraud scandals that have rocked Victorian racing, NSW Police and Racing NSW have formed an alliance to protect the integrity of the $10 billion NSW industry.
On the eve of the world’s richest turf race, the $14 million The TAB Everest at Royal Randwick next Saturday, The Sunday Telegraph has learned Police Commissioner Mick Fuller has agreed to provide Racing NSW an experienced detective sergeant for the next 12 months.
NSW Police would not comment on the Racing NSW alliance yesterday.
But Racing NSW chief executive Peter V’landys did confirm the joint venture with the appointment of a full-time police investigator when approached by The Sunday Telegraph yesterday.
Mr V’landys said punters and racing industry participants can be confident that everything possible is being done to protect the integrity of the sport and provide “a level playing field for everyone”.
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The Racing NSW boss said the support and initiative of Commissioner Fuller and the NSW Police can be interpreted as a boost to the integrity of NSW racing.
“Commissioner Fuller is a visionary in these matters and is taking policing to new levels,’’ Mr V’landys said.
“He is being proactive rather than reactive when it comes to NSW racing. Rather than investigate when it has happened, it is better to prevent it. The benefits for the police is that they will see all the various aspects of the racing industry.
“We don’t want to let the actions of a very small minority effect the reputation of the racing industry which, overall, has many honest, hardworking people who are devoted to the care and welfare of their horses.’’
In addition, Mr V’landys also confirmed a further appointment of a former senior NSW police detective to the Racing NSW stewards investigative panel will be announced this week.
“This person has enormous experience in all levels of detective work and will add to our Intelligence and Surveillance Unit which is already established,’’ he said.
The Sunday Telegraph has also learned the state government legislation about to go through parliament to change the Racing Act and allow stewards to compel any person, licensed in racing or not, to attend a stewards’ inquiry.
Disgraced trainer Darren Weir was charged last week by Victorian police over a range of corruption and animal cruelty charges.
Another three of Weir’s stable employees, including Group 1-winning trainer Jarrod McLean, are also facing multiple charges for similar offences.
Weir is already serving a four-year disqualification issued by Racing Victoria stewards after the scandal broke in late January.