Leading Queensland trainer Ben Currie has been hit with fresh charges stemming from a Queensland Racing Integrity Commission investigation into his practices.
A QRIC statement released on Friday said that Currie was charged with seven new offences, including the use of an electric shock device known as a 'jigger'.
Darren Weir, formerly the country's champion trainer, was hit with a four-year ban earlier this month after jiggers were found in a raid on his properties last month.
The Toowoomba-based Currie has been the focus of an investigation since last April, having been slapped with more than 30 rule breach allegations since then.
This latest batch of breaches stem from discoveries made during the ongoing investigation.
Given the serious nature of these latest claims of animal welfare indiscretions, Currie has been called into a Steward's Inquiry on Monday to plead his case against immediate suspension.
See the full list of fresh charges, via the QRIC statement, below:
- In contravention of AR175(n) Stewards will allege Currie instructed the use of an electric or electronic apparatus (jigger) to deliver an electric shock in an act of cruelty on ‘Cordon Rouge’ prior to racing at Gatton on 30 July 2016.
- Stewards will also allege that between 1 March 2016 and 7 March 2016 in breach of AR175(n) Mr Currie allegedly used an electric or electronic apparatus (jigger) on a horse that has been designed to deliver an electric shock.
- In contravention of AR64H Stewards allege Mr Currie permitted ‘Dog Days Are Over’ to race at the Sunshine Coast on 16 April 2017 when it had been subjected to shockwave therapy during the seven clear day period before race day.
- In a breach of AR53A it will be alleged that Mr Currie failed to notify Stewards when ‘Deep Down’ bled on 31 May 2016 and was then raced by another trainer until June 2017.
- It is also alleged in a further breach of AR53A that Mr Currie failed to notify Stewards when ‘Rock Spark’ bled on 6 April 2017, the horse which was sold shortly after the incident continued to race under another trainer.
- Stewards will also allege that in a breach of AR175(a) that Mr Currie allegedly made dishonest statements in not disclosing to potential purchasers that Rock Spark bled at Gatton on 6 April 2017.
- In an alleged breach of AR178E(1) Mr Currie allegedly caused the administration of boost paste to ‘Honey Toast’ on the day it raced in the Sunshine Coast Cup on 31 January 2016.
Currie-trained horses will still be allowed to run this weekend, with that position to be reviewed at Monday's Steward's Inquiry.
