The Tasmanian harness racing industry is currently embroiled in a scandal involving serious allegations of doping, race-fixing, and animal welfare violations. The industry has come under scrutiny during a parliamentary inquiry investigating these claims.

A whistleblower, Janet Ainscow, shed light on the disturbing practices within the industry, revealing that horses were allegedly administered cocaine before races to enhance their performance. Additionally, text messages instructing participants to fix races were uncovered, further deepening the concerns raised during the inquiry.

The inquiry, which is ongoing, has heard testimonies from various industry stakeholders, including TasRacing officials and the Minister for Racing, Jane Howlett. Ms. Ainscow disclosed that multiple individuals within the racing community had approached her with reports of unethical conduct and issues plaguing the industry.

One particularly alarming revelation was the alleged involvement of racing stewards holding TAB betting accounts, a violation of racing regulations. Ms. Ainscow also highlighted instances of mistreatment of horses, showcasing photos depicting animals with injuries standing in muddy conditions.

The allegations extend to prominent figures in the industry, with accusations of race-fixing and improper conduct involving leading harness trainer Ben Yole and driver Tianna Ford. Despite denials from the accused parties, the seriousness of the claims has prompted calls for a thorough investigation by Tasmanian Labor, urging the involvement of law enforcement to address potential criminal activities.

The scandal has cast a shadow over the integrity of harness racing in Tasmania, with concerns raised about the need for stringent measures to uphold the sport’s credibility. The industry, while predominantly composed of individuals dedicated to the welfare of horses, faces a critical juncture in addressing malpractices and restoring public trust.

Minister Howlett refrained from commenting on the specifics of the allegations, citing ongoing investigations and legal proceedings. The need for transparency, accountability, and swift action to address the allegations has become paramount, signaling a pivotal moment for the Tasmanian harness racing industry to confront and rectify the issues undermining its reputation.