Four harness racing industry figures have been charged following an investigation into allegations of mistreatment and non-cooperation with a previous probe.
The charges stem from the Murrihy Report review of 15 races and other incidents, which found potential breaches of Australian Harness Racing Rules.
One of the races under scrutiny was a Launceston event on February 26 2023, where Nathan Ford is accused of rule violations.
Ben Yole and Tim Yole are facing charges related to the mistreatment of horses in a wash bay, while Corey Bell is accused of obstructing the investigation.
The Independent Stewards Panel, led by Chairman Dayle Brown, has given the charged men until October 14 to respond before making a final decision.
The panel say their investigation is ongoing, with evidence related to three other matters still under review.
Any further charges will be determined by October 14.
Ben Yole and Tim Yole have been issued show cause notices by the Director of Racing, questioning their fitness to hold harness trainer licences.
Tasmanian Racing Minister Jane Howlett has welcomed the findings, saying she is “disgusted” at the allegations.
“Racing participants with adverse findings or behaviour must be held accountable. It’s the expectation of many people in the Tasmanian community.”
Howlett backed the state’s racing industry and said that the “overwhelming majority” of participants do the right thing.
“We back the Tasmanian racing industry and together we will keep working to ensure that all three codes thrive,” she said.
