Ben Currie resolution a step closer

Qld stewards will consider if trainer Ben Currie can be legally represented when faces 28 charges.

A resolution to outstanding charges against Toowoomba trainer Ben Currie has moved a step closer after a judicial review finding in Brisbane.

In the Supreme Court on Friday, Justice Peter Flanagan was originally listed to consider several legal issues which had delayed the hearing into 28 charges Currie faced after a raid on his stables in April.

After agreement between the parties the only issue to be resolved was whether Currie could have legal representation at his hearing on the charges.

Justice Flanagan found stewards should review their decision barring Currie from having legal representation and decide it by correct law.

Currie’s barrister Jim Murdoch QC said the decision opened the way for Currie to be represented at an inquiry.

Queensland Racing Integrity Commission Commissioner Ross Barnett confirmed the matter would now revert to stewards for further consideration.

“A Supreme Court ruling determined that the decision on whether legal representation is permitted under the Rules of Racing has reverted that decision back to the discretion of the stewards,” he said.

“The court found that the rules do not prohibit Currie from requesting legal representation and that request would be at the discretion of the stewards.”

Justice Flanagan’s reasons are expected to be available next week.

Currie was able to get a stay on a suspension imposed in a show cause hearing on other unrelated animal cruelty charges on Thursday.

He can train until five days after an internal review of the show cause hearing suspension decision..

Barnett confirmed the internal review would be completed within 20 business days of the decision being made last Monday.