Queensland's racing watchdog has disqualified three people from the industry, for their involvement in a jigger scandal ahead of the Birdsville Races in September last year.
Champion bush trainer Todd Austin and jockey Ric McMahon were suspended from competition just days out from the 2022 Birdsville Races, after a photograph emerged of McMahon with a "jigger" in his hand during track work.
A jigger is a small taser-like device that can be used to administer an electric shock to a horse to condition it to run faster.
The Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) yesterday handed down penalties banning Austin for five years, his wife Toni for one year and McMahon for three and a half years.
The Birdsville Racing Club has welcomed the conclusion of the inquiry, which scandalised the bush racing community.
Racing leaders say the penalty sends a strong message about animal welfare.
'Life-changing' penalty
Following an inquiry, the commission last month found Austin guilty of commissioning an act of cruelty to a horse and two counts of providing false or misleading evidence.
McMahon had pleaded guilty to possessing a jigger and providing false or misleading evidence earlier in the inquiry.
QRIC said the penalties were necessary to maintain public confidence and integrity in racing, as well as to safeguard animal welfare.
"The possession and use of jiggers is abhorrent and is a practice that tarnishes the image of the racing industry where animal welfare is paramount,” chief thoroughbred steward Josh Adams said in a statement.
Longreach Jockey Club president Andrew Watts said it was an important decision for the industry.
"I think the penalty for the offences was probably right," Mr Watts said.
"It does send a warning out for anybody who might be thinking of going down that path, that there is a life-changing punishment in place.
"Five years is a very, very long time to be out of any industry, and three and a half for a jockey can pretty much be career-ending, so I think it does send a message."
Todd Austin was considered the most successful Birdsville Cup trainer of the 21st century, winning the race in 2013, 2019 and in April 2022.
Austin and jockey McMahon were among the favourites in the September 2022 Birdsville Cup with horse Hemmerle.
But Mr Watts said the country racing industry recovered "pretty quickly" following the incident, as a matter of necessity.
"I think the focus shifted immediately, changes had to be put in place, clubs moved on, new trainers picked up horses, new jockeys have been coming to the region," Mr Watts said.
"So it was something that had to move quickly because it did leave a massive hole in the west."
The Birdsville Race Club said it supported the commission's investigation of the incident.
"We are pleased this investigation has now concluded and we reiterate our strong opposition to any acts of animal cruelty," the club said in a statement.
"We look forward to the 2023 Birdsville Races in September where we aim to continue our 141-year legacy of striving to provide a safe environment for both horses and racing participants."
