Key Moments:
- Five stewards, including the acting chief, were found to have placed bets on horse races, some of which they officiated
- Investigations examined steward behavior and wagering from January 2023 to June 2025, resulting in three dismissals
- TasRacing plans to introduce stricter oversight, enhanced rules, and stronger penalties following the scandal
Integrity at Risk: The Steward Betting Controversy
A major controversy has affected Tasmanian racing after it was revealed that five stewards, including the acting chief steward, engaged in betting on horse races, some of which they were responsible for officiating. The discovery has placed questions over the sport’s fairness and led to public outcry, triggering a wave of reforms throughout the racing industry.
Extensive Investigations Shed Light on Steward Behavior
TasRacing requested formal investigations into possible misconduct among its stewards earlier this year. Sean Carroll, serving as the Tasmanian Racing Integrity Commissioner, initiated two separate inquiries – one into betting activity and another into broader misconduct. These reviews covered steward activity and wagering between January 2023 and June 2025, examining both TasRacing and the now-defunct Office of Racing Integrity.
Five stewards were implicated in these inquiries, with one employed full-time and the other four working on a casual basis. Acting chief thoroughbred steward Mike Castillo reportedly accounted for over 200 bets. Two of the stewards resigned before the investigations reached their conclusions, potentially to avoid further examination.
Five Tasmanian racing stewards found to have made more than 200 bets on Tasmanian horse and greyhound races, some of which they were officiating.
Bets were placed over a span of 2 and a half years.
Two stewards have resigned.@abcsport https://t.co/wWm0wJ0H0O
— Chris Rowbottom (@chrisroww) September 12, 2025
Detailed Assessment of Betting Patterns
| Steward | Number of Bets | Total Wagered | Profit/Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unnamed Steward 1 | 49 | $1,400 | $103 profit |
| Unnamed Steward 2 | 162 | $273 | -$244 loss |
The investigation found that at least 24 bets were made by stewards on races they were officiating, and another 25 were placed during greyhound events under their oversight. While the individual financial outcomes were minimal, the breach of ethical standards was regarded as severe.
Misconduct and Disciplinary Actions
One steward was found to have consistently violated TasRacing’s policies for seven years, including engaging in gambling while on duty, exhibiting inappropriate behavior, and failing to disclose conflicts of interest. The specifics of this case are not public due to ongoing legal matters, but initial results indicate these infractions may surpass the severity of the recent betting issues.
Investigators concluded that there was no evidence of collusion, race-fixing, or money laundering. Nevertheless, the incidents undermined public trust in the sport’s integrity. ABC reported that TasRacing dismissed three stewards for their conduct: two for wagering breaches and one for other serious policy violations, with another remaining suspended.
A spokesperson stated, “Based on independent investigations and subsequent report findings provided by the Tasmanian Racing Integrity Commissioner, TasRacing has dismissed three stewards due to inappropriate wagering activity or other misconduct and breaches of policy and/or rules.”
Industry Reforms and the Path Forward
Sean Carroll has called for more robust disciplinary procedures, enhanced oversight, and clear guidance on acceptable conduct. Planned reforms involve clarifying wagering policies, improving staff training, and introducing harsher penalties for violations.
Carroll stated, “Tasmanian racing has now entered a new era where the highest benchmark of integrity will be the foundation of the industry’s future success. Regardless of whether you are a steward, racing participant or owner, it is clear that the new reforms are delivering the highest standards of integrity and animal welfare, and that where these standards are falling short, action will be taken.”
Tasmanian racing authorities are set to introduce further measures to reinforce transparency and oversight. Restoring confidence will depend on the openness of investigations and the proper enforcement of new policies. The episode highlights the ongoing necessity for racing organizations worldwide to maintain rigorous integrity standards.
- Author
Daniel Williams
