Tasracing say they are taking action against those named in the Murrihy Report following a recent Supreme Court decision that confirmed they have the power to do so.
The organisation has issued ‘Show Cause Notices’ to those named, asking them to explain why they shouldn’t be banned from racing events entirely.
Tasracing CEO Andrew Jenkins said a final decision on any bans will be made on Friday after reviewing the responses this week.
He said the Racing Rules & Policy Committee has also made immediate changes to the Equity in Participation Policy (EIPP) policy, which limits the number of horses a trainer can enter in a race.
“The policy recognises the importance of providing all harness trainers with the opportunity to access races consistently and promotes enhanced competition in the harness racing Code in Tasmania,” he said.
Horses trained by a trainer or trainers at the same private training venue in any race can’t exceed a maximum of 50% of the field or four starters, with exceptions for specific circumstances.
The new policy will not apply to certain races, including feature races or feature heats with more than $30,000 in prize money, races that are finals from heats or races for two and three-year-old horses.
Racing Minister Jane Howlett said while due process must be followed, it was “clear that action must be taken urgently”.
“Mr Murrihy in his report stated that the racing model itself requires a major overhaul to improve competition on the racetrack,” she said.
“Fierce competition is the industry’s best safeguard against team driving and race fixing.”
“I love Tasmania’s racing industry and as Minister I am determined to do what I can to help get it back on track.”
