A Tasmanian investigation revealed that several racing stewards, including the acting chief thoroughbred steward, placed over 200 bets on local horse races over two and a half years, breaching TasRacing’s codes which prohibit stewards from wagering on races they oversee. The inquiry found five stewards engaged in betting activities, with some placing bets on races they officiated, though no criminal conduct such as race fixing or collusion was identified. Following the investigation, TasRacing dismissed three stewards for betting violations and serious misconduct, while one remains stood down pending further inquiry.

The investigation highlights concerns about integrity within the racing industry, with former harness driver Gavin Kelly expressing hope that these findings signal a turning point toward higher standards. Racing integrity commissioner Sean Carroll emphasized that wagering by stewards undermines public confidence and called for strict disciplinary actions to uphold the industry’s integrity and animal welfare standards. TasRacing affirmed its commitment to enforcing reforms to ensure the future success and credibility of Tasmanian racing.