By BRIDGET COOK
NO POLICE charges will be laid in relation to allegations of a race being fixed at Cranbourne in 2011.
In August last year, Victoria Police confirmed that Purana Taskforce detectives were investigating the race won by Smoking Aces, ridden by Danny Nikolic, at Cranbourne on 27 April 2011.
The alleged race fixing came to light during the murder investigation of racing identity Les Samba.
This week, Victoria Police released a statement and said it had completed its investigation, both into the Cranbourne race and others in 2011 and 2012.
“Detectives from Purana Taskforce have completed a thorough investigation into allegations of race fixing and money laundering in relation to a number of horse races in 2011 and 2012,” the statement said.
“On advice from the Office of Public Prosecutions, no charges will be laid.
“Where legislation permits, and on advice from the Victorian Government Solicitor’s Office, Victoria Police will supply documentation to the Office of the Racing Integrity Commissioner and Racing Victoria to assist their investigation into this matter.”
A Racing Victoria spokesperson said its steward’s investigation into allegations of race fixing involving Smoking Aces remains active and would continue.
“Given the completion of the Victoria Police investigation, Racing Victoria has asked Victoria Police to supply it with information that will allow its investigation into any possible breaches of the Rules of Racing to continue,” the spokesperson said.
“With respect to that request, Victoria Police is seeking advice from the government solicitor as to what information it can legally share with Racing Victoria.”
Racing Victoria said it would not be making any further comment on its Smoking Aces investigation while it remained active.
