Racehorse trainer Ben Currie arrested by Queensland Racing Crime Squad

THE Queensland Racing Crime Squad has arrested and charged disqualified Toowoomba trainer Ben Currie with systematic fraudulent behaviour over a period from November 2016 to March 2019.

The charges allege Currie sourced and administered unregulated horse supplements designed to enhance race performance in a manner to circumvent current testing methodology in Queensland Thoroughbred racing.

As a result, it is further alleged the offender has dishonestly gained a benefit through entitlement to prize money distributed by Racing Queensland for Thoroughbred races in Queensland over that time.

Mr Currie has been bailed to appear in the Toowoomba Magistrates Court on July 15, 2019.

Queensland Racing Integrity Commissioner Ross Barnett said while he could not comment on the Queensland Police investigation into Ben Currie, he said it arose from the Commission's protracted and ongoing investigation into Currie Racing that began on April 7, 2018.

"This Racing Crime Squad investigation has been carried out independently from the Commission but we have provided support as requested including technical advice from our Racing Science Centre chemists," he said.

"During the period of these alleged charges Mr Currie was a licensed Thoroughbred trainer in Queensland.

"This investigation again demonstrates the importance of the partnership between the Commission and the Racing Crime Squad and the value of them being seconded to the Commission to deal with allegations of criminal conduct which arise during our investigations into the Queensland racing industry," Mr Barnett said.

Article courtesy of Nine and Queensland Country Life