Complaint made into handling of harness race-fixing probe

The complaint is linked to the successful County Court appeal of former Harness Racing Victoria licensed participants Nathan Jack, Lisa Bartley and Mark Pitt.

The contents of the complaint have not been disclosed.

However, New Corp understands the letter speaks to the collection of evidence and circumstances which led to police – on advice of HRV integrity – investigating a race at Cobram in 2015.

In a statement to News Corp, Commissioner Carroll confirmed receipt of the complaint.

“The complaint will be assessed in accordance with the Commissioner’s complaint handling process, to determine whether and to what extent the concerns raised fall within the Commissioner’s statutory functions, and the most appropriate next steps,” the statement read.

“The Commissioner does not intend to make any further comment about the matter.”

The County Court last month determined the trio – Jack, Bartley and Pitt – had no cases to answer and all charges were dismissed.

After 23 days of hearing, Judge Carmody accepted driver Jack gave his horse the “best chance of winning” the Cobram race.

Jack, Bartley and Pitt were arrested at Melton in August 2016.

They were charged with race-fixing, fined and stood down from September 2018.

HRV would not be drawn for comment about the complaint on Thursday.

The Commissioner’s next steps has potential ramifications on a second Victorian racing regulator.

Racing Victoria last month announced an integrity restructure and senior appointment, effective from January.

An RV spokesman on Thursday said: “We’re not aware of anything at this time that would have any impact on the current or scheduled employment of any individuals by Racing Victoria.”

Under the Racing Act, the Commissioner has the power to conduct independent inquiries and investigations, summon witnesses or documents and examine a person under oath.

By Gilbert Gardiner originally published as Complaint made into handling of harness race-fixing probe