Independent MP says action is needed to stop trainer Ben Yole from exploiting a loophole

A classic example of how ‘weak’ integrity standards are was on display at this weekend’s races, Independent MP says. She wants action to stop banned trainers from exploiting a loophole.

Member for Clark Kristie Johnston speaks to the media on Monday, April 15, 2024.

Action was needed to stop a harness racing trainer found to have fixed races and mistreated horses from fielding runners in local raced, Independent MP Kristie Johnston said on Monday.

Tas Racing on Friday won the right to block harness racing identities Ben Yole, Tim Yole, Nathan Ford, and Mitchell Ford from entering racetracks under its control after an earlier ban was overturned.

Mr Yole’s stables were found to have engaged in team driving, race fixing and animal cruelty

by former NSW Chief Steward Ray Murrihy in a report handed down in January.

He was not subject of any sanction by the Office of Racing Integrity, which is charged with overseeing the conduct of racing, although an independent panel of interstate harness racing and integrity experts had been appointed to address the issues raised in the Murrihy report

Ms Johnston said Yole horses ran in a race meeting on Sunday.

“Yet again last night we saw a classic example of how weak our integrity standards are when it comes to the harness racing industry, even though the Supreme Court ruled that has raising did indeed have the power to warn off Ben Yole,” Ms Johnston said.

“What we saw last night was Ben Yole use a loophole to transfer horses in his care and his traineeship to his father and continue business as usual.

“In both races, 7, 8, 9 and 10 Yole horses won and indeed in race 10 nine of the 11 horses or Ben yells horses under the guise of his father.”

“This is an absolute disgrace and I call them TasRacing to take urgent action.”

Comment was sought from Racing Minister Jane Howlett.

TasRacing banned those adversely named in the Murrihy Report into the harness racing industry from attending the state’s racetracks on February 2.

That ban was subsequently overturned by the Racing Appeals Board, whose decision was itself overturned by Friday’s Supreme Court decision.