This morning I have sought an explanation from Tasracing as to the situation surrounding Mr Ben Yole and those named in the Murrihy Report.
I am advised that following Friday’s Supreme Court decision, Tasracing issued formal Show Cause notices to Mr Yole and those who were named in the Murrihy Report as to why their Warning Off Notices should not proceed.
While I understand that it is important that Tasracing must follow established regulatory processes, it is 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. Fierce competition is the industry’s best safeguard against team driving and race fixing.
New rules for the harness code have been introduced yesterday, effective immediately, and I am hopeful that this will help to enhance competition in harness racing in Tasmania.
This new rule limits runners in an event to not more than 50 per cent of the total field, to a maximum of four starters.
As I said on Saturday, I love Tasmania’s racing industry, and as Minister I am determined to do what I can to help get it back on track.