Changes to trainer Ben Currie hearings

The QRIC has made changes to inquiries involving charges against trainer Ben Currie.

An inquiry into 28 charges against Toowoomba trainer Ben Currie is set to resume in a different format.

The hearing on Monday will hear allegations arising from a raid at Currie’s stables in April last year with other charges to also be heard later.

The way for the hearing was opened after a judicial review last month regarding Currie’s right to have legal representation in the inquiry.

The Queensland Racing Integrity Commission wrote to Currie’s lawyers saying one of them would be admitted but laying down restrictions.

Currie’s lawyers thought those restrictions were too severe and sought another judicial review into that decision.

The matter was resolved by consent on Friday.

In a media release, QRIC said the inquiries into the allegations had changed.

QRIC said the inquiry would reconvene on Monday as previously advised, however the 28 alleged race day breaches would now be heard over four days, Monday and Tuesday and March 25 and 26.

The Inquiries into four alleged illegal substance breaches will be heard on April 8 and 9.

The seven alleged breaches of the rules of racing issued last month regarding animal cruelty will be heard on April 23 and 24.

Stewards will deliver their findings subsequent to the completion of all proceedings relating to these matters.