One of the men at the centre of a race fixing investigation will be free to compete at Ballarat’s bumper Breeders Crown Series consolation meeting on Wednesday night.
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Top driver Nathan Jack was one of four harness racing industry participants arrested on Sunday for an alleged race fixing operation.
Harness Racing Victoria on Monday released a statement outlining that no charges had been laid against the “relevant parties” and revealed that they had until 4pm on Friday to provide submissions as to why their licenses should not be suspended or other action should not be taken under the provisions of Australian Harness Racing rules.
This means Jack is free to fulfill his driving commitments on Wednesday night at Bray Raceway.
“HRV Integrity Department takes into consideration that the decision to suspend licenses of participants and/or take other actions are serious measures and thus all available material needs to be considered,” the statement read.
“This includes the information from Victoria Police regarding the continuing status of its investigations and the absence of any criminal charges.”
Detectives arrested the four harness racing industry participants on Sunday early evening, after the Breeders Crown finals at TAB Park in Melton. The event is one of the biggest harness meets in Australia.
It is the second time in as many years Victoria Police has uncovered alleged harness race fixing in an industry that generates tens of millions of dollars in gaming revenue for the state government.
The race fixing allegations will be keenly watched by Victoria's thoroughbred racing administrators on the eve of the Spring Carnival.
One of the suspects in the police investigation that prompted Sunday's raids - champion driver Jack - has previously been suspected of leaking inside information to punters to increase their betting odds. Analysis of Jack's TAB accounts has previously uncovered an allegedly suspicious transaction.
The police operation was triggered by sensitive betting activity involving a race in June last year, which stewards and police suspect may have been fixed.
The inquiry has been examining whether a small number of harness racing industry identities have engaged in 'cheating in sport' offences, including manipulating a race to effect a betting outcome. Those found to have breached the laws can face serious penalties, including jail terms and large fines.
Jack has been nominated to drive in races five and eight – both group 3 events worth $30,000 – on Wednesday night in Ballarat.
- with Nick McKenzie, Michael Bachelard, Richard Baker (The Age)