Race-fixing probe set to rock racing industry
BY RACING POST STAFF 6:12PM 5 AUG 2012
Australia: Police have launched an investigation into alleged race fixing, which is reported to involve leading jockey Danny Nikolic and several other well-known racing personalities.
The investigation relates to the running of Smoking Aces in Victoria last year, according to a story published by the Sydney Morning Herald.
The alleged fix was uncovered during the inquiry into the murder of trainer Les Samba, who was shot dead in Melbourne on February 27, 2011.
The Herald claims that the police are set to confirm a A$1 million (£675,000/€853,000) reward for information leading to the arrest of Samba's killers.
The corruption case being investigated is said to involve race fixing, money laundering and tax fraud, as well as inside information.
Detective Superintendent Gerard Ryan, speaking to the Herald, said: "Certainly, I believe that if we we're able to solve the race fixing and solve the issues that are emerging, we will certainly solve the murder.
"We'll leave no stone unturned. So that means we'll look at a number of races … and a number of areas that unfold as the investigation goes [on].
''But it's important, at the end of this investigation, to make sure that the integrity of racing here in Victoria and nationally is squeaky clean."
Police began questioning trainers and jockey at the start of the year, it is reported.
It is not the first time Nikolic has been questioned by the authorities in relation to race fixing.
The jockey, who has ridden three Group 1 winners this year, was charged with providing inside information to family friend Neville Clements in June 2010 but was cleared of any wrongdoing.
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