Tasmanian Harness Racing Inquiry Reveals Allegations

A parliamentary inquiry into Tasmanian Harness Racing industry has brought forward allegations of horse doping, race fixing, and concerns over animal welfare. Witnesses have provided testimony on potential breaches of racing regulations, raising questions about oversight within the industry.

Janet Ainscow, who first spoke publicly about these concerns in March 2023, gave evidence to the inquiry on Friday. She stated that since coming forward, several people within the industry had shared further reports of misconduct with her.

“They also developed a fair bit of trust in me, and as such came forward and reported things to me which I don’t think they would have ever reported, including the administration of drugs to horses by various people,” Ms Ainscow said.

An investigation into Tasmanian Harness Racing has brought serious allegations to light, including doping and race manipulation. Among the claims, it was alleged that Nathan Ford applied cocaine under the tongues of horses before Tasmanian Harness Racing events to improve their performance.

“I was given information that Mr. Nathan Ford had applied cocaine sublingually to horses prior to racing, which does improve performance,” Ms. Ainscow stated during the Tasmanian Harness Racing inquiry.

The racing point investigation also looked into race-fixing claims, including reports of text messages directing a participant to manipulate Tasmanian Harness Racing results. However, details about the individuals involved were not disclosed.

Concerns were also raised about Tasmanian Harness Racing officials, as at least two stewards were found to have TAB betting accounts, violating racing regulations. This could compromise fairness in Tasmanian Harness Racing oversight.

Committee member Dean Winter questioned what steps Ms. Ainscow took after receiving doping reports in 2023. She revealed that she had informed the Office of Racing Integrity but received no updates on the racing point investigation into these horse racing injury concerns.

The racing point investigation into Tasmanian Harness Racing continues as officials assess the credibility of these allegations. If proven, these claims could have significant implications for Tasmanian Harness Racing and efforts to maintain integrity in the sport.

Additionally, horse racing injury concerns remain a focal point, as illegal drug use may increase risks for both horses and jockeys. The potential impact of these allegations on horse racing injury cases within Tasmanian Harness Racing is under further scrutiny.

Authorities are under pressure to ensure that the racing point investigation addresses these issues effectively. The handling of horse racing injury cases and other integrity concerns will be critical in restoring trust in Tasmanian Harness Racing.

“I reported it to the Office of Racing Integrity … I never heard any outcome,” she told the committee.

“Was there an inquiry or any investigation?” Mr Winter asked.

“I don’t know, apart from me telling them … I don’t think so,” she replied.

This lack of response has led to concerns over whether regulatory bodies are acting on serious allegations within the industry. The Office of Racing Integrity, TasRacing, and the Department of Natural Resource and Environment were among those present at the inquiry, though it remains unclear what actions have been taken regarding these reports.

Nathan Ford responded to the claims made against him, issuing a statement rejecting the accusations.

“The allegations are outrageous and a complete lie,” Mr Ford said.

While he denies any wrongdoing, the inquiry has raised larger concerns about the regulation and oversight of Tasmanian Harness Racing industry. The allegations of doping and race fixing have placed attention on whether the industry’s governing bodies are effectively enforcing rules to maintain fairness and welfare standards.

Growing demands for stronger regulation and accountability arise during the ongoing inquiry. There have been calls for stricter enforcement of industry regulations and greater transparency regarding investigation processes due to alleged corruption and violations in animal welfare.

The committee may need to call for additional evidence before deriving recommendations; meanwhile, there are still questions about the magnitude of the issues and how they will be dealt with going forward.