The racing corruption allegations case has reared its head again...The Age newspaper says the scandal has dramatically widened and claims at least four top jockeys along with professional punters and other racing identities are now under investigation. The Age says: 'In addition to the Smoking Aces scandal - which The Age can reveal involves fresh allegations that top jockey Danny Nikolic paid kickbacks to a third party to fix a race - authorities are also examining corruption allegations linked
The racing corruption allegations case has reared its head again...The Age newspaper says the scandal has dramatically widened and claims at least four top jockeys along with professional punters and other racing identities are now under investigation. The Age says: 'In addition to the Smoking Aces scandal - which The Age can reveal involves fresh allegations that top jockey Danny Nikolic paid kickbacks to a third party to fix a race - authorities are also examining corruption allegations linked to several other horse races. One of the allegations being probed involves one of Australia's most famous jockeys, who The Age cannot identify for legal reasons, who bet thousands of dollars on a rival horse to win a race in which the jockey was riding. The race was at a metropolitan Melbourne track within the past two years.
Betting exchange Betfair seems to be playing a key role in the corruption probe. The Age says: 'A source from wagering company Betfair has confirmed a major investigation is being conducted into suspicious ''lay betting'' - in which a punter backs a horse not to come first - involving more than two dozen races and another leading jockey. ''We have been aware of it for some time and we have told the authorities [in Victoria],'' the Betfair source said. ''It is the most serious case we have at the moment.''
Caulfield Cup fav Mawingo looked the goods winning a barrier trial at Cranbourne on Tuesday. Mawinga is currently around the 12/1 mark for the Cup. With Craig Williams aboard, Mawingo led the four-horse trial before coasting home to beat Tower Of Lonhro by a length. The German-bred galloper clocked 1:01.84 for the 990 metres on heavy (8) going.