New Zealand harness racing scandal widens

A total of ten people have now been arrested and charged with race fixing and drugs offenses as New Zealand anti-corruption investigation in the harness racing industry widens.

Three more persons were arrested yesterday after police from the elite National Organized Crime Unit executed six more search warrants on a number of properties.

Seven persons arrested on Tuesday appeared in court yesterday variously on race fixing and drugs charges and were remanded on bail.

In addition to the arrests, the Racing Integrity Unit has exercised its statutory powers to prohibit all those charged with offenses from entering any race course or taking part in any on-track activities.

The investigation has now roped in the New Zealand Derby, one of the richest races on the New Zealand harness racing calendar.

The leaders of the Racing Board, the Racing Integrity Unit and the Minister of Racing have continued to affirm that the industry is sound and that the systems are working as intended.