The Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) has charged thoroughbred trainer Todd Austin and jockey Ric McMahon with possession of a ‘jigger’, and for providing false or misleading evidence at an inquiry.
The charges relate to an incident at trackwork during the Birdsville Cup race meeting in August this year.
Austin has also been charged with commissioning an act of cruelty to registered thoroughbred Hemmerle when he engaged McMahon to ride the horse at Birdsville on August 30 this year.
The stewards have also charged Austin’s wife, Toni Austin, with with providing false or misleading information in relation to the investigation into the matter at Birdsville.
The decision comes just days after Todd Austin claimed the $200,000 Country Cups Final at Doomben on Saturday afternoon.
The trio have until Monday, December 12, to enter their pleas.
McMahon claimed Todd Austin handed him the jigger to use because the horse was considered “lazy” and needed a “liven up”.
The inquiry also heard Toni Austin “dismembered her phone” and took the SIM card out following the alleged incident.
Both Todd Austin and McMahon remain indefinitely suspended from racing while the inquiry continues.
The 34-year-old jockey pleaded guilty to a criminal charge of possession of a prohibited object, namely an electronic device or apparatuses, at Mt Isa Magistrates Court in November.
The Austins have yet to be charged by police over the matter.
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