Racing NSW stewards have reached a roadblock in their investigation of an alleged bet placed by champion jockey James McDonald, with a key figure in the investigation refusing to be interviewed, according to Racing.com. The 24-year-old retained rider to Godolphin voluntarily stood himself down from riding last week after stewards revealed he was being investigated for allegedly placing a bet last December on subsequent Group 1 winner Astern (Aus) (Medaglia d'Oro), who won the race in question on debut. Jockeys in Australia are not allowed to bet on races in which they are riding.
Refusing to be interviewed is punter Anthony Gardiner, who has as a result been warned off effective immediately, meaning he is not permitted to enter any racecourse or training facility, have an interest in a Thoroughbred racehorse or bet on Thoroughbred races with a wagering operator. The decision to warn off Gardiner was made by Racing NSW Chief Executive
Peter V'landys, who said, “Racing NSW is on record time and again as saying integrity in this industry is paramount. Accordingly, no individual's interest should outweigh the confidence of the public, and particularly punters, in the integrity of the industry. Racing NSW has zero tolerance for those that obstruct and hinder the maintenance of the integrity of Thoroughbred racing in New South Wales.”
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