Currie ruling backed
TOOWOOMBA trainer Ben Currie will need to launch another appeal to continue training beyond this weekend after an internal review endorsed the decision to stand him down.
Currie is permitted to train for the next five days.
However, to train beyond that he must return to the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) and be granted a stay of proceedings after an internal review by the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) supported a decision to stand him down.
Currie, who is facing charges into alleged use of a jigger, seems certain to seek another stay of proceedings.
Queensland’s leading trainer who has led in more than 100 winners this season, Currie was initially stood down facing seven charges and went to the QCAT seeking a stay of proceedings.
But the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission confirmed yesterday the review had found Currie should be stood down.
A key point of contention was the term “harped up’’, which was used in text messages by Currie.
Currie’s legal team argued the term “could mean the horse was given a rousing gallop under the whip. It could mean any number of things.’’
The stewards are set to contend “harped up’’ relates to use of an electrical device: the jigger.
“In carefully considering the evidence and in particular Currie’s failure to provide any direct evidence or explanation for the term ‘harped up’ as noted in the facts relied upon, (the reviewer) finds the continued participation of Currie poses an unacceptable risk to, prejudice or undermine the image, interests or integrity of racing,’’ internal reviewer Kane Ashby said.
“Accordingly, the reviewer is satisfied the decision to suspend Currie’s trainer’s licence is proven.
“The reviewer acknowledges the seriousness of the charges, in particular the alleged use or instruction to use an electric or electronic apparatuses to a horse, which is designed to deliver an electric shock.
“Notwithstanding, the reviewer acknowledges such charges are yet to be proven and the subject review is particular to the decision to suspend Currie’s trainer’s licence.”
Currie is also facing 28 other charges including 14 which came from a raid on his Toowoomba stables on Weetwood Day last week.