Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) is downplaying the impact of two arrests last week after a 10-month race-fixing investigation.
Police raided five properties – four in Victoria’s north around Mildura and another at Bolinda near Gisborne – with warrants issued by officers of the Sporting Integrity Intelligence Unit, Mildura and Melton crime investigation units, and E-Crime.
Father and son driver-trainers Shayne and Greg Cramp, both high-profile Mildura-based harness racing identities, were charged with conduct that corrupted a betting outcome and engaging in conduct that would corrupt a betting outcome.
HRV’s integrity general manager Andy Rogers said he didn’t believe the investigation’s outcomes would have a “significant impact” on harness racing at Melton but stressed HRV would be working with police to stamp out any wrongdoings.
“It’s not good for the sport, having it in the headlines, but I think in the long-term, the investigations are a good thing,” Rogers said. “Police and Harness Racing Victoria stewards are actively searching for any wrongdoings and conducting proactive investigations.”
Victoria Police Intelligence and Covert Support Command Superintendent Peter Brigham said police were prepared to investigate any allegations of corruption in sport.
