© Photo Healy Racing
Australian trainer Ben Currie faces welfare charges which include the use of ‘jiggers’ — devices which administer electric shocks to horses.
The Queensland Racing Integrity Commission issued a statement, detailing allegations in a charge sheet which follows a four-year ban for similar breaches imposed 10 days ago on Melbourne Cup-winning trainer Darren Weir.
The latter did not contest the charges.
Currie must face a stewards’ inquiry next Monday, February 18, relating to the alleged use of ‘jiggers’ on two occasions between January 2016 and April 2017 — among more than 30 charges largely covering other welfare issues.
Racing integrity commissioner Ross Barnett said: “The very serious nature of the animal welfare allegations that have surfaced as a result of this investigation have left us with no choice but to act now in the interests of the Queensland racing industry.”
Currie’s horses will be allowed to run this weekend in advance of the hearing, at which he must show cause why he should not be suspended.
