Racing: Harness Racing NSW fights to clear image

Photo / Thinkstock

Harness Racing NSW cast its net even further on Monday by issuing another wave of letters to industry participants required to give evidence in the drug scandal that is rocking the sport.

A group of 10 drivers, trainers, owners and punters was asked to hand over phone records to stewards last week and HRNSW boss Sam Nati confirmed that more letters have been posted in a bid to ensure no one escapes the wrath of the intense investigation.

"I cannot confirm the number, all I can say is further letters have been sent to persons of interest," he told the Daily Telegraph.

Nati, who was interviewed on an industry magazine show on Sky Racing, said this incident gives the sport the perfect opportunity to repair its image that has been severely damaged.

"Some people said rugby league would never recover from Super League," he said. "The amount of positive feedback I've received from people, both friends and those in the industry, would suggest that most people are thinking exactly the opposite, [that] we can use this as a platform to establish the best possible regulatory panel and ensure that it can never happen again."

Nati also confirmed that the two stewards, Paul O'Toole and Matthew Bentley, who are believed to have leaked information regarding which horses would be drug-tested, have so far co-operated with the investigation that is deepening every day.

"Obviously, we spoke to them. On top of what we already knew they provided additional information," he said.

Harness racing's image has been hammered by the scandal and Nati confirmed that class action would be taken against those found to be involved in the rort.

"It's an opportunity for HRNSW to draw a line in the sand and say that if you are found to have acted dishonestly we will put all our resources into making you accountable and if you cheapen our brand we want compensation. And that's what civil lawsuits are about," he said.

Asked how long he believed the fraudulent activities had been taking place, Nati replied: "It's probably not something I want to speculate on at the moment. I think in general terms, though, it is fair to say that it has escalated in recent months.

"And just for clarity and so people get a proper perspective, it was happening on a very small number of races. Of course once is one too many."

HRNSW has already begun taking action and opened an inquiry into why Darryl Thomas presented two horses, Points North and Zoro, to the races with elevated TC02 readings.

-AAP