ADAM SHAND and BRENDON CORMICK report in THE AUSTRALIAN that it is understood that the people whose addresses were raided, with the assistance of racing stewards, included at least three high-profile jockeys. The raids were part of a joint investigation with stewards into betting activities, police said.

It is understood that the raids were in response to information obtained by stewards that had proved to be baseless.

The raids were not part of long-running probes into allegations of jockey betting and race-fixing. Police have been investigating a network of jockeys, trainers, owners and punters for betting irregularities and have been trying to establish links with the murder of high-profile trainer Les Samba.

Victorian Racing Integrity Commissioner Sal Perna said he had been briefed on the raids and that jockeys had been interviewed by stewards about the betting claims. “The allegations were totally disproven. It’s a win for the good guys,” he said.

Victoria Police confirmed in a statement that officers had “executed two search warrants” but would not comment further.

The integrity unit at Racing Victoria confirmed the raids, without disclosing names or the number of people interviewed.

RV Integrity manager Dayle Brown said there was no evidence of any wrongdoing or transgression of racing rules.

STORY SOURCE: THE AUSTRALIAN - NEWS LIMITED.