Tasmania’s leading harness trainer, Ben Yole, along with three other industry participants, has been granted the opportunity to race again after the Tasmanian Racing Appeals Board overturned their ban for the second time. This decision follows allegations of race fixing, team driving, and concerns regarding animal welfare. The appeal board ruled that Tasracing lacked sufficient grounds to enforce the temporary bans.
After an ABC investigation and an independent review by integrity expert Ray Murrihy, Ben Yole was implicated in team driving, race fixing, and animal welfare issues. Despite the allegations, Yole denied any wrongdoing. Tasracing issued a warning off notice to Yole, stating that his presence at racecourses could harm the industry’s reputation. The ban prevented Yole and the other participants from engaging in harness racing activities.
The initial ban was overturned by the Tasmanian Racing Appeals Board due to legal technicalities and concerns about natural justice. However, the bans were reinstated following a Supreme Court ruling affirming Tasracing’s authority to impose sanctions. The recent decision by the TRAB to lift the ban for the second time allows Yole and the others to resume their racing activities.
Ben Yole, who reportedly faced significant financial losses during the ban, expressed relief at being able to return to the sport. The TRAB emphasized the impact of the warning off notices on Yole and another participant, Nathan Ford, highlighting the adverse effects on their livelihoods. Yole had already closed his stable in Victoria due to the ban, resulting in substantial financial setbacks.
While the appeals board’s decision surprised Tasracing, the racing body accepted the ruling and refrained from issuing new warning off notices to the four participants. The industry awaits the findings of an independent stewards panel investigating the allegations raised in the Murrihy Report, particularly regarding animal welfare concerns at Yole’s training property.
Greens MLC Cassy O’Connor called for accountability within the racing industry and urged Racing Minister Jane Howlett to take action. O’Connor emphasized the need for transparency and integrity in the sport, especially during ongoing investigations. Minister Howlett refrained from commenting on the appeals board decision, awaiting the steward panel’s full report due at the end of the month.
As the industry navigates these challenges, the call for a robust integrity system remains paramount. The ongoing scrutiny underscores the importance of upholding ethical standards and ensuring the welfare of animals involved in harness racing. The outcome of the independent investigation will likely shape the future regulatory landscape of the sport in Tasmania.
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