QRIC boss says Currie case must follow law

QUEENSLAND’S chief integrity officer Ross Barnett has moved to counter growing discontent within the industry at delays in dealing with the charges against Toowoomba trainer Ben Currie.

Barnett, who is commissioner of the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission, said he was aware of the impact of the investigation on Queensland’s racing community.

He issued a statement after the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal on Thursday agreed to extend a stay order that allows Currie to keep training.

Barnett explained that QRIC was bound to follow the legal process.

“The commission operates within the appeals system of internal review and QCAT as set out in the Racing Integrity Act,” Barnett said. “While multiple charges have been laid against Currie and have been vigorously pursued by the commission, Currie has exercised a range of legal rights that have delayed the finalisation of those matters.”

Barnett said investigations involving Currie had been ongoing since April 7 last year and had already resulted in disciplinary action, including heavy suspensions and disqualifications of up to 18 months to employees of Currie Racing.

He said the investigation had involved the seizure and analysis of CCTV footage, computer and telephone records, and had led to multiple charges against Currie.

The charges relate to raceday treatment, providing false evidence, obstructing stewards’ investigations and animal cruelty offences.

Currie also faces five charges relating to the presentation of horses that have returned positive swabs for a range of banned substances.

Currie is this week expected to return from Bali. He has been asked to explain why his nominations should not be refused must reply by Friday.