Media release – Kristie Johnston MP, Independent Member for Clark, 15 April 2024
Business as Usual for Ben Yole
It shows how weak integrity standards are in the racing industry when, despite a Supreme Court decision to confirm Tasracing’s power to warn off notorious harness racing trainer Ben Yole, he is able to merely transfer the horses to his father and carry on as before.
At yesterday’s Hobart harness meet, Yole horses placed first in races 7, 8, 9 and 10, filling nine of the available 12 placings. Further, in race 10, nine of the eleven starters were Yole horses.
This is the kind of behaviour highlighted in the recent Murrihy Report and leads to allegations of race fixing.
Minister Howlett must take action immediately – she can’t wait for the independent panel of interstate harness racing stewards to report. She must immediately act to prevent the transfer of horses to family or close entities or harness racing will continue to be held up for ridicule.
The Murrihy Report was also critical of animal welfare standards in harness racing but conditions for the horses remains unchanged.
The Minister has much to do if she wants to save harness racing.
Media release – Jane Howlett, Minister for Racing, 13 April 2024
Statement from the Minister for Racing
Minister for Racing, Jane Howlett, said that she welcomed yesterday’s decision by the Court regarding Ben Yole and three other individuals.
“I love Tasmania’s racing industry, and as Minister I am determined to do what I can to help get it back on track”, Ms Howlett said.
“This includes stamping out any alleged misbehaviour, which is unfortunately tainting the wider industry.
“I strongly encourage Tasracing to take any and all actions they can in this regard.”
Ms Howlett said that she had also had discussions with Tasracing about what further actions they could take to improve the integrity of Tasmania’s harness racing sector.
