Four Corners: Aug 6

This week on Four Corners, The Age investigative journalist Nick McKenzie looks at crime and corruption in thoroughbred racing.

Gambling in Australia is a national obsession. Thoroughbred racing is where sports betting began. Last year the nation spent $14 billion punting on horses. Most people put their money down believing the races are a true contest, but are they? With billions of dollars changing hands, racing also provides an environment that’s attractive to criminals. Some try to influence the outcome of races. Others use the track as a cover to launder money.

This week, in a joint Four Corners-The Age investigation “Inside Mail”, reporter Nick McKenzie lifts the lid on allegations of crime and corruption in thoroughbred racing in this country. Are races fixed? Has the sport been infiltrated by organised criminals and, if so, what are police and racing authorities doing to stop it?

Monday 6th August at 8.30pm on ABC1.