Ben Currie disqualified for four years

Toowoomba trainer Ben Currie has been disqualified for four years on two charges of bringing racing into disrepute.

Currie has been facing 42 allegations, some dating back more than a year, and the two charges are the first to be resolved.

Racing Queensland stewards charged Currie last month with two counts which originally involved allegations of using a jigger or instructing someone else to use a jigger in 2015 and 2016.

After hearing submissions, stewards discontinued those charges and continued alternate charges of bringing racing into disrepute.

The alternate charges were based on text messages Currie sent to staff or friends.

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Currie was found guilty of the two charges and his lawyers made written submissions on penalty this week.

After considering the submissions the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission announced in a short statement Currie had been disqualified for four years.

He has been given until May 17 to move his horses to other stables.

The trainer is also awaiting a Supreme Court judicial review of RQ’s decision to refuse his nominations.

As a result of the refusal at least 26 horses have been moved from Currie’s stables to other trainers.