Victoria Police officers have raided the properties of top Australian harness racing figures over their alleged involvement in a race-fixing scandal.
The Monday morning raids have targeted the racing operations of the Cramp family in Mildura.
Shayne Cramp is one of the state's leading harness racing drivers, while both he and his father Greg also run a major training operation as well.
Fairfax Media was to publish an investigation about the pair's links to suspect betting activities and alleged corruption a fortnight ago, but was requested by police to stall publication.
The Fairfax Media investigation can reveal that Shayne and Greg Cramp are alleged to be involved in a suspected illegal betting syndicate that has been attempting to manipulate the outcome of races for several months.
No other members of their family are alleged to be involved.
The syndicate is allegedly involved in the manipulation of punting odds and driving practices in a manner that corrupts the outcome of betting.
The police investigation, carried out by detectives from the force's Sports Integrity Unit, has been running for at least 10 months.
Four properties in Mildura have been raided along with another property in Melbourne. Police have seized evidence.
Several prominent harness racing identities are expected to be charged with corrupting the outcome of a race or betting in what will be a major test of Victoria's relatively new 'cheating in sport' laws.
The raids are set to raise fresh questions about the integrity of racing in Victoria, with key insiders telling Fairfax Media that harness racing has been vulnerable to corruption due to the poor resourcing of the sport's integrity area.
Stewards have investigated Shayne and Greg Cramp in connection to several suspect races over the last few years but have failed to stop the pair's rise in running one of the most successful harness racing operations in the country.
The pair's operations were also investigated during the infamous 'blue magic' doping investigation in 2006, but stewards laid no charges.
The revelations come just weeks after three top thoroughbred trainers, Peter Moody, Danny O'Brien and Mark Cavanagh, were notified that some of their horses had tested positive for banned levels of cobalt after they raced in the spring carnival. The trio have pleaded their innocence.
Fairfax Media can also reveal that a prominent harness racing figure has been investigated by stewards over allegations they have been supplying cobalt to thoroughbred and harness racing stables across the state. It's understood this harness racing figure was raided and quizzed by stewards last year.
The state government recently ordered a major review of harness racing in Victoria due to falling revenue levels in the sport. The review, led by top racing administrator Dale Montieth, has commissioned sports corruption expert and former chief steward Des Gleeson to investigate concerns about the integrity of harness racing.
Fairfax Media recently revealed how a suspected organised crime syndicate, led by prominent harness racing owner Paul Sequenzia and which is linked to top trainers and drivers, has also been suspected of harness race fixing.
A trotting horse owned by Sequenzia tested positive for the banned drug EPO in 2009, although Sequenzia avoided any major penalties after several of his associates accepted responsibility for the doping. Sequenzia recently owned Sushi Sushi, one of the most successful horses in the history of harness racing.
Fairfax Media is seeking comment from the Cramp family.
Pathetic little weed soon to have the sh!t kicked out of him on a daily basis. Great to see scum get tortured isn't it.
Wonder what his mate from the west is thinking. Better be careful
Pathetic little weed soon to have the sh!t kicked out of him on a daily basis. Great to see scum get tortured isn't it.Wonder what his mate from the west is thinking. Better be careful
HRV CEO John Anderson says the investigation is at the instigation of HRV. Yeah the same HRV that was all over sulkygate.Couldn't find a watermelon in a tin of peas.
HRV CEO John Anderson says the investigation is at the instigation of HRV. Yeah the same HRV that was all over sulkygate.Couldn't find a watermelon in a tin of peas.
Takes investigations away from any sporting body and into police hands...
The Australian Government has established the National Integrity of Sport Unit to provide national oversight, monitoring and coordination of efforts to protect the integrity of sport in Australia from threats of doping, match-fixing and other forms of corruption.
The National Integrity of Sport Unit defines sports integrity as:
“The manifestation of the ethics and values which promote community confidence in sports, including:
fair and honest performances and outcomes, unaffected by illegitimate enhancements or external interests; and positive conduct by athletes, administrators, officials, supporters and other stakeholders, on and off the sporting arena, which enhances the reputation and standing of the sporting contest and of sport overall. Role of the National Integrity of Sport Unit What is match-fixing in sport Match-fixing: irregularly influencing the course or result of a sports event in order to obtain advantage for oneself or for others and to remove all or part of the uncertainty normally associated with sport.
What is doping in sport Doping: the occurrence of one or more of the eight anti-doping rule violations specified in the World Anti-Doping Code.
Ensuring Australian sport is protected Match-fixing
On 10 June 2011, all Australian sports ministers endorsed on behalf of their governments, a National Policy on Match-fixing in Sport (the National Policy) with the aim of protecting the integrity of Australian sport.
The National Policy, which is strongly welcomed by sporting codes and the betting industry, is underpinned by a nationally consistent legislative approach, strong links between governments, major sports, betting operators and law enforcers, and international collaboration.
Doping
On 11 February 2011 all Australian sports ministers endorsed on behalf of their governments, an updated National Anti-Doping Framework with the aim of aligning domestic anti-doping efforts in Australia through a set of agreed principles, alongside clearly identified areas for cooperation between all Australian governments.
Australia's anti-doping arrangements give effect to our international obligations under the UNESCO International Convention Against Doping in Sport (the UNESCO Convention). The UNESCO Convention requires States Parties to implement arrangements that are consistent with the principles of the World Anti-Doping Code (the Code). The Code provides the framework for harmonised anti doping policies, rules and regulations within sport organisations and among public authorities.
Portals National Policy on Match-fixing in Sport Role of the National Integrity of Sport Unit Integrity tools for sporting organisations Anti-match-fixing education program Sports betting industry Useful links and resources Contact us Members area Anti-match-fixing policy template
The police investigation, carried out by detectives from the force's Sports Integrity Unit, has been running for at least 10 months.Sports Integrity UnitVery interesting website ...curious it is run by the Australian Dept of Health...nevertheless...i
So wheres the fella that posted on here in such postive terms in regard to the cramps a few months back when somebody dared questioned there tactics???
So wheres the fella that posted on here in such postive terms in regard to the crampsa few months backwhen somebody dared questioned there tactics???
I'm sure we are all guilty of THINKING that people are up to no good when we watch certain things occur in races.
However unless we are complicit in the act, we can never really KNOW they have been as corrupt as they appear.
This might be one of those exceptional times where it all comes together ...
And should the charges stick, we can say to ourselves in the words of Maxwell Smart -
I KNEW IT .. I KNEW IT !!! :-)
Extraordinary to read in the SMH that the journos immediately linked the Trots to the supply of Cobalt to the Gallops trainers in the same article. Clearly the Trots boys are the baddies who are the source of all evil - pushing our cleanskin gallops lads down the wrong path. Pathetic.
I'm sure we are all guilty of THINKING that people are up to no good when we watch certain things occur in races.However unless we are complicit in the act, we can never really KNOW they have been as corrupt as they appear.This might be one of those
Aussie driver. Do you think they will be charged over the race I stuck up for them on? I will say No, have I stuck up for them on other threads regarding other races, No , so shut your cake hole.
Aussie driver.Do you think they will be charged over the race I stuck up for them on?I will say No, have I stuck up for them on other threads regarding other races, No , so shut your cake hole.
good interview here wif shane anderson done this morn,if anyone interested..https://soundcloud.com/rsn-racing/nick-mckenzie-john-anderson-trots-breaking-news
On Monday night, detectives charged two prominent harness racing figures with race fixing as part of a 10-month probe into an allegedly corrupt betting syndicate.
Leading driving Shayne Cramp is facing six charges relating to allegations he corrupted a betting outcome.
His father, Greg Cramp, is facing two charges relating to the same offence. If convicted, the pair could face jail terms of up to 10 years.
As Fairfax Media revealed exclusively on Monday, it will be alleged that the pair sought to manipulate betting odds and the outcome of races they were contesting.
Shayne and Greg Cramp manage one of the state's most successful harness racing operations and the allegations are understood to relate to several races last year.
A Fairfax Media investigation can reveal that the activity of the pair and their associates have been under scrutiny for several years.
Previous inquiries by stewards apparently failed to dissuade allegedly improper behaviour linked to the Cramp stables. The stables first came to the attention of stewards during a major doping investigation in Mildura a decade ago, although no charges were laid against the Cramps.
Several major betting agencies, including Betfair, have also previously raised suspicions with authorities about betting plunges that appeared to be connected to suspect riding activity involving Cramp-trained or Cramp-driven horses.
The police inquiry comes with racing in Victoria facing major integrity questions. Stewards are still investigating three top thoroughbred trainers, Peter Moody, Danny O'Brien and Mark Cavanagh, who were recently notified that some of their horses had tested positive for banned levels of cobalt after they raced in the spring carnival. The trio have pleaded their innocence.
Fairfax Media can also reveal that a prominent harness racing figure has been investigated by stewards over allegations of supplying cobalt to thoroughbred and harness racing stables across the state. It is understood this harness racing figure was raided and quizzed by stewards last year.
The state government recently ordered a major review of harness racing in Victoria. The government expects the review, led by top racing administrator Dale Monteith, to recommend sweeping changes, including to the sport's integrity regime.
On Monday, Minister for Racing Martin Pakula said he had referred the race-fixing investigation to Mr Monteith.
Mr Perna also said major improvements were needed to boost harness racing's integrity system and said that it was well behind that of thoroughbred racing.
Fairfax Media recently revealed how a suspected organised crime syndicate, led by prominent harness racing owner Paul Sequenzia and which is linked to top trainers and drivers, has also been suspected of race fixing.
A trotting horse owned by Sequenzia tested positive for the banned drug EPO in 2009, although Sequenzia avoided any major penalties after several of his associates accepted responsibility for the doping. Sequenzia recently owned Sushi Sushi, one of the most successful horses in the history of harness racing.
Charged!!On Monday night, detectives charged two prominent harness racing figures with race fixing as part of a 10-month probe into an allegedly corrupt betting syndicate.Leading driving Shayne Cramp is facing six charges relating to allegations he c
Find out in the morning might be the first time in a few years you can bet with any hint of confidence at the joint though unless they're looking for one last fill up.
Find out in the morning might be the first time in a few years you can bet with any hint of confidence at the joint though unless they're looking for one last fill up.
Licences suspended effective immediately 02 February 2015 by HRV Media
The training and driving licences of Shayne and Greg Cramp have been suspended effective immediately.
No horses trained or owned by Shayne or Greg Cramp are permitted to race or trial.
All Shayne Cramp runners scheduled to compete at Mildura tomorrow night will be scratched by order of stewards.
Shayne and Greg Cramp are also excluded from attending harness racing tracks.
HRV will make no further comment on this matter today but will update tomorrow.
Licences suspended effective immediately02 February 2015by HRV MediaThe training and driving licences of Shayne and Greg Cramp have been suspended effective immediately.No horses trained or owned by Shayne or Greg Cramp are permitted to race or trial
For a country town like Mildura likely their local TAB turnover for population is unusual and has been for years Dont have to be a rocket scientist to work out whats going on..
For a country town like Mildura likely their local TAB turnover for population is unusual and has been for years Dont have to be a rocket scientist to work out whats going on..
Early last year, the state's racing integrity commissioner, Sal Perna, visited the Victoria Police sports integrity unit carrying a confidential file.
Perna is a former homicide cop who left the police to climb the ladder of corporate Australia before being appointed the guardian of the integrity of harness, thoroughbred and greyhound racing.
The file he was holding detailed the activities of a suspected corrupt harness racing syndicate that had allegedly been operating for years.
The contents, which also touched on the alleged involvement of organised crime and the doping of horses, would not have surprised any keen watcher of harness racing. Harness racing stewards have long strived to confront the crooks who dominate pockets of the sport, but have mostly failed to do so due to limited resources and insufficient powers.
Because of this, Perna had not only identified suspected corrupt figures operating with impunity, he'd also met veteran industry participants who had lost faith in the integrity of the sport they had once loved.
"I met people who would be crying, saying, 'I am leaving the industry because of what is going on'," he said.
Take the well-known harness racing driver who works openly with a gangland boss (who, until recently, owned one of the most successful horses in the history of harness racing). This driver was recently found to have bet multiple times on races he was driving in. His penalty was a paltry fine.
The crime figure suspected of having this driver, along with several others, on his pay roll was fined the value of a speeding ticket.
Another factor breeding arrogance among the crooks was the historical failure of police to pay attention. But by the time Perna walked into the sports integrity unit offices, that attitude had changed. Indeed, a seismic shift was under way in the way police dealt with sporting corruption.
The sports integrity unit is overseen by Superintendent Peter Brigham, a highly respected senior policeman who once chased corrupt cops for a living and helped jail more than a few.
Working for him were senior detectives with a special brief to target those suspected of breaching Victoria's new "cheating in sport" laws as they would investigate a serious crime figure.
Investigating racing is not dissimilar to probing drug dealing. Phone records and money trails are usually a starting point.
And it was where the sports integrity detectives began when they turned to harness racing. Betting analyses dating back several years revealed a pattern of punting surrounding some of the figures named in Perna's briefing.
Further analysis linked certain betting plunges to suspicious phone calls. Soon, phones were being monitored in real time and key racing figures closely watched.
They included Shayne Cramp and his father Greg, who together manage one of the most successful harness racing operations in Australia.
There is nothing fancy about the Cramp set-up. It's at a training facility in a dusty, dry pocket of north-west Victoria, just a short drive from Mildura, and includes a stabling area for horses and a nondescript family home.
Shayne, 31, has previously told reporters that the secret to his considerable success – he has pocketed more than $2 million in stakes earnings – was the soft, beach-sand style training track on which his trotters were subjected to a punishing training regime.
"The way our horses race, they are tough and very fit because of our training methods," he said a few months ago.
But police suspected there might be more to Cramp's success than hard-work and special sand.
It's understood that detectives have collected evidence that suggests that at least two races involving the Cramps and others were corrupted. It's suspected that betting odds have been manipulated by figures associated with the Cramps on the basis of inside information. Other races are also under scrutiny.
For instance, on November 12, 2014, Cramp's father Greg received a four-week ban from stewards after he drove a horse called Tibytoa. Those who have analysed the race for Fairfax Media say the riding tactics of Greg Cramp were clearly unusual, as was some of the betting on the horse driven to victory in the same race. It was steered by Shayne Cramp.
Despite deep suspicions of stewards, and a growing resentment among their rivals, the Cramps have largely been promoted by Harness Racing Victoria as a good news story. Among their many supporters was a senior harness racing official. Perhaps it is why the Cramps were known to ooze confidence.
Their attitudes may have changed when sports integrity detectives arrived at the Cramps' homes just after dawn on Monday morning and arrested them over allegations they had breached sports integrity laws.
For Perna, the arrests show a sports integrity system working as it should: new laws being enforced by eager detectives with help from his office. Perna says that whatever the outcome of Monday's arrests, Harness Racing Victoria must now acknowledge it has a major problem.
Perna also says harness racing anti-corruption measures are far less robust than those in thoroughbred racing. This is despite the fact that the headquarters of the two sporting codes are next to each-other.
Says Perna: "Harness racing has nothing like the integrity measures in thoroughbred. But all they need to do is cross the driveway to see how it could be done."
Early last year, the state's racing integrity commissioner, Sal Perna, visited the Victoria Police sports integrity unit carrying a confidential file.Perna is a former homicide cop who left the police to climb the ladder of corporate Australia befor
I wouldn't be the least big concerned by this, when you give people up to lessen your penalty, you need to be very very careful
I think ultimately the Cramps face a bigger penalty than any judge could give them, they just deferred it a little. A bit like Camilerri, they are in too deep now
I wouldn't be the least big concerned by this, when you give people up to lessen your penalty, you need to be very very careful I think ultimately the Cramps face a bigger penalty than any judge could give them, they just deferred it a little. A bit