In December last year, Racing Integrity Commissioner Sal Perna began looking into the events leading up to six of the 10 acceptors being scratched from the group 1 race in Ballarat because of a crackdown by stewards on oversized sulkies.

A report was initially expected by the end of February, but Perna told The Courier that he now expected the findings would be handed down by the end of next month.

He said the investigation was progressing well.

“It’s not as if we have hit roadblocks or hurdles ... we have spoken to all we feel that are necessary to speak to and have still got a couple of people to speak to. We have got some information we are waiting on to come in and it’s a matter of putting the report together.

“It’s a substantial piece of work, and when you combine that with live baiting needing to have some priority for a period of time, that’s what has pushed it back a bit.”

Perna said the sulky inquiry involved Australian and international distributors, many participants and officials within the harness racing industry, and legal reviews.

“With any of the major inquiries I conduct, there are some fairly obvious questions to be asked and questions the general public and industry would be asking,” he said.

“I aim to answer those questions, so it is an important piece of work.”

Perna will be in Ballarat on Thursday, April 16, as part of his annual roadshow around the state.

The series of presentations aims to create a better understanding and awareness of the Racing Integrity Commissioner role and responsibilities.

They also provide information on what the office has undertaken and an overview of what is in place to ensure the racing industry in Victoria runs free from the influence of crime and corruption.

The session at the Ballarat Golf Club will begin at 11am, with the public welcome to attend.

tim.oconnor@fairfaxmedia.com.au