RACING Victoria (RV) stewards today conducted inquiries into alleged betting activities by licensed jockeys Michelle Payne, Michael Walker and Anthony Darmanin.
The inquiries were opened following the completion of a lengthy investigation that commenced in mid-2012 with a routine audit of wagering service providers’ betting accounts.
Ms Payne (interstate) and Mr Walker (overseas) provided evidence via phone, whilst Mr Darmanin appeared in person. The three were questioned individually regarding bets they had placed on local and international thoroughbred races.
By way of clarity, under the Australian Rules of Racing jockeys are not permitted to bet on thoroughbred racing, irrespective of the jurisdiction, but are permitted to bet on other sports.
Upon considering the evidence, stewards found each jockey guilty of breaching AR83C which states;
“Every jockey or apprentice may be penalised if he bet, or facilitates the making of, or has any interest in a bet on any race or contingency relating to thoroughbred racing, or if he be present in the betting ring during any race meeting.”
Each rider was fined the sum of $1000.
In reaching the penalties, stewards took into account the guilty plea entered by each rider, the size of the bets and that the bets were not on races in which the riders were competing in.
The summary of the investments placed by each rider is as follows.
- Michelle Payne – Three bets totalling $450
- Anthony Darmanin – Two bets totalling $100
- Michael Walker – Four bets totalling $57
Michelle Payne
Ms Payne was found guilty of placing the following three unsuccessful bets totalling $450 that were placed in a Sportsbet account registered in her name;
22 May 2011 - $200 Double
- Presvis – Singapore International Cup, Kranji (Singapore) – Win & Place
- So You Think – Tattersalls Gold Cup, Curragh (Ireland) – Win
22 May 2011 - $200 Multi win bet
- Presvis – Singapore International Cup, Kranji (Singapore)
- So You Think – Tattersalls Gold Cup, Curragh (Ireland)
- Miami Heat – NBA Conference Final
22 May 2011 - $50 Multi win bet
- So You Think – Tattersalls Gold Cup, Curragh (Ireland)
- Miami Heat – NBA Conference Final
- Manchester United – English Premier League Round 38
- Arsenal – English Premier League Round 38
- Newcastle – English Premier League Round 38
- Stoke – English Premier League Round 38
Anthony Darmanin
Mr Darmanin was found guilty of placing the following two unsuccessful bets totalling $100 in a Sportsbet account registered in his name;
17 April 2011 - $50 Multi win bet
- Cranbourne Jockey Challenge – Any other individual jockey
- Melbourne – AFL Round 4
- Fremantle – AFL Round 4
19 April 2011 - $50 Multi win bet
- Townsville (QLD) Jockey Challenge – Ian Toward
- Chicago Bulls – NBA Playoffs Round 1
- San Francisco Giants – MLB Match
Mr Darmanin rode in two races at the Cranbourne meeting on 17 April 2011. He did not ride at the Townsville meeting on 19 April 2011.
Michael Walker
Mr Walker was found guilty of placing the following four unsuccessful bets totalling $57 in a Tattsbet account registered in his name;
- 28 October 2011 - Stawell, Race 7 - $50 win Auspicious
- 12 November 2011 – Lingfield (UK), Race 1 - $3 boxed trifecta
- 25 November 2011 – Moonee Valley, Race 7 - $3 boxed trifecta
- 24 December 2011 – Morphettville (SA), Race 1 - $1 trifecta
Mr Walker did not ride at any of the meetings in question.
RACING VICTORIA MEDIA RELEASE
