Police raid 10 harness racing stables across New Zealand

A wealthy Christchurch punter whose home was raided in a high-level police investigation into corruption in harness racing says police will come up empty-handed.

Harness racing identities have been interviewed by police following morning raids on 10 stables throughout the country, following a long-running inquiry into alleged race-fixing, corruption and drugs in the sport.

Police executed search warrants on stables in Canterbury, Invercargill and Manawatu. Figures interviewed included Natalie Rasmussen, John Dunn, Blair Orange, Nigel McGrath and Andrew Stuart.

Christchurch car industry king pin, racehorse owner and major punter Graham Beirne, speaking to Stuff from Bali where he is on holiday, said he had heard about the raids on Canterbury trainers and knew police wanted to interview him.

"I'm a suspect put it that way. The police have been to our place this morning but I'm not there. All I have to say is one word: nonsense.

"I don't know where it's coming from. If they are talking race fixing, it's nonsense. It doesn't happen, so we'll see what they come up with but they are obviously taking it seriously because they have raided stables all over the place."

Four police cars and 12 police officers had come to his Fendalton house to execute a search warrant on Tuesday morning and apparently seized computers and devices, he said.

I'm a suspect put it that way. The police have been to our place this morning but I'm not there.
Graham Beirne
"There is nothing to worry about.

"I am a big bettor. They would pick on me probably because three or four years ago there was an article in the Sunday Star Times which said I was the most successful punter in New Zealand and they couldn't beat me, and that was true at the time.

"But I haven't made any money in the last two years. The TAB records will show that."

Race fixing may have occurred in the distant past but checks and balances in the current system made it too difficult, he said.

Beirne said he would not return immediately to New Zealand and planned to come back as scheduled on Saturday.

"By all accounts they are going to meet me at the airport."

He said he was "flippant" about the investigation but "I feel sorry for the trainers involved. I feel bad for the guys and the people they are interviewing. It's their livelihood. It's terrible for them".

"It tarnishes all their reputations even if nothing is found which there won't be."

He didn't know if any other big punters were part of the investigation. "I'm a reclusive creature so I don't know who else.

"It's a game for me although you always need the money. I like beating the system. It's only pacers and trotters."

He had about 30 horses that were trained by a number of trainers, he said.

"I don't need to race fix. I've got the pension now."

Champion trainer Mark Purdon has been quoted by The Herald stating he was not questioned by police. "They had a look around here but they weren't that interested in me," the Herald reported.

During the police raids, addresses were cordoned off and some occupants were seen leaving with police. Computers were seized.

Anderson said the investigation was prompted by information from the Racing Integrity Unit.

"Police have been working in partnership with the RIU and other relevant organisations throughout the investigation."

He said police expected to provide further details in the coming days.

WINSTON PETERS 'DISAPPOINTED'

Racing Minister Winston Peters expressed his "deep disappointment at allegations of race-fixing in the New Zealand harness racing industry".

"This is a sad development. New Zealanders need to have confidence that the racing industry has integrity and is not above the law," Peters said.

In a written statement, New Zealand Racing Board chair Glenda Hughes said the investigation "while disappointing, shows the racing integrity system is working".

The board's chief executive, John Allen, said he was confident alleged breaches would be "investigated and prosecuted appropriately".

"Those involved in the industry and the Kiwi punters who support it must have confidence in the integrity of the sport."

Harness Racing New Zealand Chief Executive Edward Rennell confirmed he was aware a police operation was under way but had no further details.

Article courtesy of Fairfax Digital and The Brisbane Times