Tasmanian stewards dismissed over betting probe findings
Three racing officials sacked following integrity investigation into over 200 wagers.
Key points:
– Five stewards placed bets on Tasmanian races despite being prohibited
– Two bet on races they were officiating, one placing 24 bets on 11 such events
– Three stewards have been dismissed, one remains stood down
Three Tasmanian racing stewards have been dismissed after an integrity probe uncovered unauthorised betting activity involving more than 200 wagers placed on local races over a two-and-a-half-year period.
As reported by ABC News, the audit was initiated by TasRacing in March 2025 and conducted by Tasmanian Racing Integrity Commissioner Sean Carroll. It revealed that five stewards had breached rules by placing bets on races in which they had official duties. One of the dismissed officials was the acting chief thoroughbred steward, Mike Castillo.
The investigation found that one steward placed 49 bets totalling over AU$1,400 (US$910), earning a profit of AU$103. A total of 24 of those bets were placed on 11 races where the individual was officiating, and they later sat on inquiry panels related to those same events. Another steward placed 162 bets worth AU$273.28, resulting in a net loss.
Good to know: Stewards are prohibited from betting on any races within the state to protect the integrity of the sport
The investigation did not uncover any criminal conduct, collusion, or race fixing, but Commissioner Carroll stated that the actions had the potential to undermine public confidence in racing. He emphasised the need for stricter oversight and disciplinary consequences.
TasRacing confirmed that three stewards were dismissed, two for betting-related misconduct and one for separate serious breaches. One steward remains suspended while inquiries continue.
Carroll described the situation as a pivotal moment, declaring that Tasmanian racing was now entering a new era founded on elevated standards of integrity and transparency.
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