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ABC News
ABC News
National

Jockey Ric McMahon sentenced over possession of jigger at Birdsville Race Club

A Brisbane jockey has been fined $5,000 and had a conviction recorded for possessing a banned electrical device at Birdsville racetrack.

Ric McMahon, 34, appeared via telephone in the Mount Isa Magistrates Court on Monday afternoon after pleading guilty to one count of possessing a prohibited thing at a licensed venue.

McMahon was photographed with an electrical prod, or "jigger", at the Birdsville track on August 30.

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 possession or use of jiggers is banned in horse racing.

Magistrate Eoin Mac Giolla Ri said McMahon should have known the device was banned.

"It must be notorious that it is prohibited," he said.

"Racing in general is about winning money … vast amounts of money are exchanged."

The matter remains before the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC), which is conducting a separate investigation.

The QRIC inquiry was adjourned on Friday for a date yet to be determined.

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