Vet, racing figure arrested over major race fixing inquiry

A vet and a racing industry figure have been arrested, after raids in Keilor East, Mornington and Wallan, in a major race-fixing inquiry.

Two people have been arrested as part of a major race-fixing inquiry.

Troubled veterinarian Adam Matthews has been arrested by police as part of a major race-fixing inquiry.

Mr Matthews and trainer Lisa Enright were questioned on Wednesday and released without charge after being detained by detectives from the Victoria Police sporting integrity intelligence unit, who have been investigating alleged betting corruption and the use of illegal substances in racing. Raids were carried out at Keilor East, Mornington and Wallan.

Mr Matthews was last decade entangled in a cobalt inquiry related to alleged use of the substance in racing.

He denied having supplied a vitamin supplement to trainers, which was later found to contain cobalt.

Long bans on top trainers Danny O’Brien and Mark Kavanagh were later overturned.

Mr Matthews was cleared by the Racing NSW Appeals Board in 2016 over accusations he supplied cobalt in that state.

Mr Matthews, 38, of Keilor East, will be interviewed over allegations including the offence of engaging in conduct that corrupts or would corrupt a betting outcome.

He will also be questioned about conspiring to defraud Racing Victoria stewards and cocaine trafficking.

Vet Adam Matthews.

Trainer Lisa Enright.

Enright, of Mornington, was interviewed yesterday on the same betting corruption and conspiracy allegations which have Mr Matthews under the spotlight.

The 47-year-old, who is originally from New Zealand, has a small stable based at Cranbourne.

A Victoria Police spokeswoman said: “The investigation has focused on the alleged use of illegal substances in racing and corrupt betting practices, as well as the use, possession and trafficking of cocaine”.

Police are considering making a formal review on the matter to the Veterinary Practitioners Board over alleged failure by Matthews to comply with industry requirements.

Racing Victoria, Harness Racing Victoria and Greyhound Racing Victoria have worked with the sporting integrity intelligence unit during the probe.

The Office of the Racing Integrity Commissioner has also liaised with police.

Superintendent Steve White of Victoria Police intelligence and covert support command said the investigation highlighted the force’s leading role in rooting out allegedly corrupt activity in sport and racing.

“Victorians are well known for their love of sport but equally they want to know that the playing field is fair and honest,” Supt White said.