An independent stewards panel set up to investigate allegations of team driving, race fixing an animal cruelty in Tasmania’s harness racing industry has charged four industry participants under the Australian Harness Racing Rules.

The panel was appointed after racing expert Ray Murrihy’s report was made public earlier this year, with the January report finding the state’s leading harness trainer, Ben Yole, had engaged in race fixing and animal abuse.

The charges announced today come from an independent stewards panel and are not criminal charges.

They relate to one of 15 races identified by Mr Murrihy and the mistreatment of horses.

Nathan Ford has been charged in regard to his actions during race 9 at Launceston on February 26, 2023.

The panel found Mr Ford “failed to take all reasonable and permissible measures to win or obtain the best possible placing on his drive Priddy Sublime”.

The panel said there was “insufficient evidence to take any further action on questionable race tactics” in other races.  

Ben Yole and Tim Yole have been charged with the mistreatment of horses in a “pre-race regime” in a wash bay on Ben Yole’s Sidmouth training property.

A four industry participant, Corey Bell, has been charged for not cooperating with the investigation.

All four have the opportunity to respond by October 14, before a final determination by the panel.

The ABC has contacted Ben Yole and Nathan Ford for comment.

The stewards panel said evidence relating to three other issues was still being examined, and the panel would determine any further action by October 14.

Ben and Tim Yole have also been issued with show-cause notices by the Director of Racing, Robin Thompson, in relation to them being fit and proper people to maintain a harness trainer licence, pending the final outcome of the independent stewards panel.

The Tasmanian government announced Mr Murrihy’s independent review in March 2023, after the ABC aired allegations of team driving, race fixing, and animal welfare concerns in the state’s harness racing industry.

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