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Thoroughbred – Steward Investigation & Analysis of Wagering Activities Reveals No Impropriety

West Australian Racing
TheDivaTheDiva    13,248 posts
edited February 2013 West Australian Racing
Wednesday, 20 February 2013

MEDIA RELEASE

Thoroughbred – Steward Investigation & Analysis of Wagering Activities Reveals No Impropriety

Racing & Wagering WA’s Stewards are committed to upholding the integrity of WA’s racing industry and as such, in conjunction with RWWA’s Investigator and Betting Analysts regularly review and conduct analysis into various wagering activities.

In this respect, extensive information has recently been sought and obtained from wagering service providers in accordance with the established legislations and protocols including wagering data from national totalisators, betting exchanges, licensed bookmakers and wagering data obtained through the Northern Territory Gambling and Licensing Services division. This information is in addition to the race day information that is monitored and logged by RWWA Betting Analysts as part of routine wagering supervision.

In addition, RWWA’s Principal Investigator has also attended various TAB agencies during the course of race meetings and questioned persons who have been identified as wagering in high volumes of cash with respect to WA races.
RWWA Stewards have also been in contact with relevant counterparts in other jurisdictions who have in-depth knowledge about the nature of operations of certain punters identified by WA Stewards.

The information obtained from wagering service providers is subject to strict confidentiality provisions and accordingly the details of which cannot be publically disclosed. The data includes information both general and specific in relation to certain races, account holders and details of all transactions pertaining to a matter of interest to the Stewards. From this information Stewards are able to identify the source of all wagers of interest and interrogate other data that is available in order to identify any potential links or matters of concern.

All the collected data is subject to an in-depth analysis, combined with post-race reviews of races, focussing on various aspects identified from the data. This process has revealed: There is no significant bias or statistically significant correlation with any particular rider’s starters being backed or layed by the accounts examined. There is no significant bias or statistically significant correlation with any particular trainer’s starters being backed or layed by the accounts examined. That the betting patterns seen by certain identified accounts and persons are consistent with their wagering patterns in other jurisdictions. Up to 10,000 individual wagers (both backing and laying) of a single account with a single wagering service provider, covering the 2012 calendar year were examined for any relationships or associations with particular stables or jockeys with no major bias being detected. That the nature and placement of bets of some of the above is the result of a sophisticated and professional system being used nationally, in some instances across codes. Of a particular account, there was a slight bias towards both backing and laying horses which settle on pace, however this did not translate to a significant bias or correlation to any particular rider, trainer or stable.

In addition to this broad examination of data, a smaller number of races of interest were selected for detailed examination due to notable betting activity. The completeness of the extensive wagering records and data that is available to the RWWA Stewards indicates that there has been in certain instances, complete misinformation and unfounded speculation within the industry in relation to both wagering patterns, and the identity of their source. In these instances an examination of the complete data has revealed that whilst a particular runner may have been supported within a particular market, the same source of that wager has also supported other runners within that or other markets to varying degrees reflective of price, evidencing a spread of liability not consistent with an inexplicable level of confidence for that runner at that price.

Based on current evidence, it has not been demonstrated that the integrity of WA racing is a systemic issue. The Stewards will continue to maintain a high level of vigilance and investigation in relation to all races and utilise all avenues available to ensure the integrity of WA racing is maintained.
To assist in the maintenance of the integrity of WA Racing, RWWA also advises that the federal Attorney-General’s Department has recently assessed RWWA to be an enforcement agency for the purposes of the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979 (Cth) (TIA Act). Under the TIA Act, an enforcement agency is able to:

make applications for stored communication warrants (under section 110 of the TIA Act) to a federal judicial officer or member of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, who must consider the impact on privacy and the gravity of the conduct before issuing a warrant. Agencies using this power are required to keep records, which are independently inspected by the Commonwealth Ombudsman, and
access telecommunications data (under section 179 of the TIA Act) by following the federal Attorney-General’s Department authorisation and notification process. Agencies using this power are required to keep records of authorisations for 3 years.

The Department will report publicly on the number of stored communications warrants issued to, and requests for telecommunications data made by, RWWA in the Department’s Annual Report, which is tabled in Parliament.

Media Contact: Denis Borovica – General Manager Racing Integrity Ph: 9445 5427 [email protected]

Comments

  • thefalconthefalcon    20,482 posts
    thus endeth the lesson.....
  • ThumperThumper    820 posts
    Has this media release been put out to make the punters feel better or really annoy us?

    So they couldn't find a single suspicious ride in their extensive investigation...

    What a load of garbage and propaganda
  • joneseejonesee    715 posts
    Some people are laughing their f..n heads off
  • careycarey    6,424 posts
    idiots.

    Fastmoney likes this post.

  • ThumperThumper    820 posts
    After going through this in more detail and returning from my time travel visit to war time Germany I have the following comments:

    “There is no significant bias or statistically significant correlation with any particular rider’s starters being backed or layed by the accounts examined” – This was a waste of time. They were never going find anything related to a certain jockeys horses being backed to win or lose as there have been no fixed races. The plunge horses could be ridden by any jockey, it is the losing rides to give the plunge horses every hope that have to be examined.

    “There is no significant bias or statistically significant correlation with any particular trainer’s starters being backed or layed by the accounts examined” – as above and they only had to read Perth Turf Talk to find out that nobody thinks any trainer is involved.

    “Up to 10,000 individual wagers (both backing and laying) of a single account with a single wagering service provider, covering the 2012 calendar year were examined for any relationships or associations with particular stables or jockeys with no major bias being detected” – As per comments above and why are they looking at 10,000 wagers. My estimate is that there are only about 20 races that need looking into in great detail.

    “Of a particular account, there was a slight bias towards both backing and laying horses which settle on pace, however this did not translate to a significant bias or correlation to any particular rider, trainer or stable.” – Go back to these races and review the losing rides. I’ll even tell you what to look for 1. Speed runners being restrained or applying no pressure 2. Jockeys restraining to allow plunge horses into the field. 3. Other main chances in the race being restrained to a rearward position.

    If anybody is wondering why I keep going on about this it is because I love Racing in WA and it really gets to me when the quality of out product is harmed.

    Chris likes this post.

  • RIORIO    14,902 posts
    it is great to see that RWWA seem to have spent a significant amount of time, money and resources on this issue..it is however very disappointing to see that it appears they have been looking in the wrong closet....The blind Freddies are looking at winning horses, winning bets and winning jockeys and trainers..As Thumper quite rightly states - as many have in the past - they don't always set one of their horses up to win..it isn't a "boat race" as it would have been called 10 years ago.

    BUT...........the great thing to read is that RWWA have been out there and RWWAy have been shaking the tree(maybe the wrong tree) and that in it self may be enough to change the patterns..the past few weeks have been pretty good..

    I can only hope that the stewards that are involved in this keep looking...keep shaking the tree....keep being seen to be doing the right thing and keep releasing media reports highlighting that they are looking.... it may be enough to stop the race fixing..

    Good report, and really glad they have looked
  • SuperSnoopSuperSnoop    164 posts
    what is the point of shaking the wrong tree? they have now convinced themselves that everything is rosey!
    I just dont think they are smart enough to figure it out. I have been told that winning riders (and losing riders) have been getting grilled, but they are most certainly looking in the wrong places. Example, when william pike gets held up on a short priced fave, they are giving him the third degree. Id say william is the last person they need to be talking to. no wonder he smashed the door, was probably frustrated after months of stupid questions.
  • thefalconthefalcon    20,482 posts
    a group of inspector clauseaus springs to mind.... :))
  • RIORIO    14,902 posts
    For the stewards to get better at reading the play of a race, they have to be looking at it..I'd HOPE this report is the start of the process of checks and counter checks..not the end of them...And i am confident that whatever stewards were involved in this investigation are better stewards now, than before they started..

    it takes time to set a sting up...and it has to take time to uncover one..this is proof that the Steward's have started....IMO they have looked in the wrong places and made erroneous summations, but personally it makes me feel a lot better that they have looked..

    IN racing terms.....I'd be hoping that this is the trial investigation, so that they can develop the skills required to actually get into the race... before this I'm not confident they new what a saddle was!!!
  • FastmoneyFastmoney    4,912 posts
    You`re easily pleased Rio.

    Its the biggest load of crap I`ve ever read.

    The stewards have stated that this has nothing to do with the rumours but it is there usual routine examination.

    To state that there has been complete misinformation and unfounded speculation within the industry shows they regard any discussion on this issue as losing punters just looking for excuses.

    The stewards are saying that in the last 12 months not 1 race has been suspect (according to their investigation).

    Even Wilson wouldn`t conclude that EVERY single race in the last 12 months was clean.

    So they do this every year, tick a few boxes, pat each other on the back and say everything is wonderful.

    The media release is all spin, designed to put the matter to bed.

    Your suggestion that it somehow improves the stewards skills because they had a look at a few accounts and found nothing, tells me nothing is better now and it is unlikely to change in the future.

    I had a conversation with a steward about a particular race that was suspect and after raising some of the issues he totally disregarded what was said and replied "everything was fine because the favourite won".

    My assessment of the media release is that the stewards can`t read a race, don`t have accurate speed map predictions, can`t analyze betting fluctuations and can`t find a link between betting movements and some trainers and jockeys.




  • RIORIO    14,902 posts
    FM.....I've also had the same chat with a stewards and was also totally dismissed out of hand, and told that there wasn't a problem..and you know why??? Cos the heavily backed horse won, so the punters got it right!!!!! WTF


    Please don't think for one moment that i feel the industry is clean and there isn't any corruption..i not only feel there is ..I know there is.I've seen it, i've felt it and i've reported it to the stewards... It is real.

    But this report to me says that they are looking...Every enforcement body anywhere in the world only ever reacts to a situation, so they are always chasing the problem..to my way of thinking the WA Stewards have started the process of chasing the problem.. Now the pressure has to be borne for them to continue..

    I'll be using whatever resource i have to keep that pressure on for further investigations..the report does read as though the stewards kept the cane and guide dog close by, But is up to industry people to keep the pressure on..

    And yes, i am easily pleased..it takes a lot to get the wheels turning and i'm happy they have started..i repeat started...started...Got a long way to go, but this is better than where we were 3 months ago.
  • ArloArlo    122 posts
    I wonder if Stewards have contacted anyone who has voiced concerns on this forum about particular races or performances to get a better picture of what people think is happening.
    If they did, perhaps they would have been able to conduct their investigation more thoroughly and properly address the concerns being voiced by disgruntled punters
    I suspect that they did not.
    If they regard people voicing concerns about the integrity of racing in WA as the enemy, rather than someone they should be having meaningful discussions with, then in my opinion they are only fostering the feelings of discontent.
    The recent statement put out by them on the use of social media seems to support my assertion. They clearly want to suppress any criticism of Stewards or RWWA employees.
    Perhaps they could lessen criticism by taking positive steps to ensure improved performances of Stewards and employees
    Things such as performance reviews, ongoing training conducted by high profile Stewards and Integrity managers from other states, Steward exchanges with other states so that WA Stewards are exposed to different regimes and levels of proactive Stewarding.
    It should be historically abundantly clear that attempts to suppress criticism of any regime or organization in the long term only fosters diminished performance.
    Does this investigation into betting really "clear the air " as reported in this mornings paper?
  • FastmoneyFastmoney    4,912 posts
    Rio

    The report (and conversation) tells me they don`t know what they are looking for, they don`t recognize there`s a problem and even if they did they couldn`t find it anyway.

    Its a complete dismissal that there was even an issue.

    Guess I`ve interpreted the report differently to you.
  • RIORIO    14,902 posts
    FM

    ..not totally different..that is pretty close to my assumption too...but when i ring for a chat now i have a starting point, in the past there wasn't even a consideration that they needed to look.

    i see it more of a statement that they couldn't see a problem..and as we both agree they weren't looking in the right place..Now to try to get them to use these investigation principals in a different area..

    I'm forever the optimist, and am passionate about this industry..it is the only thing that has bought sustained enjoyment to my life in my 35 yrs as an adult..as sad as that is, it is also the reason why i am pushing hard to make sure that any corruption is removed from it..

    Still on the same team FM....

    Ted likes this post.

  • FastmoneyFastmoney    4,912 posts
    No probs Rio
  • careycarey    6,424 posts
    ".it is the only thing that has bought sustained enjoyment to my life in my 35 yrs as an adult"

    i hope your couch is comfortable rio!
  • RIORIO    14,902 posts

    I've had a couple well loved and well used ones carey, but the way my life has chopped and changed, everytime I get a nice one..the magical "SHE" in my life keeps the damn thing!! :-))

    The current Mrs Rio hasn't been around for all those years.....the few that she has..wow!!! She has provided more enjoyment than I can express in words..haha

    Oh and we both want this industry as clean as, so the 2 new babies we recently bought into can win or lose on their own merit...not by some cheating piece of crap that is only interested in lining their own pockets rather than trying to recoup a portion of my outlay for me!!!
  • TheDivaTheDiva    13,248 posts
    come on then Rio, what did you buy? post on the breeding section....
  • RadmanRadman    1,992 posts
    edited February 2013
    The Diva said:

    come on then Rio, what did you buy? post on the breeding section....

    I can vouch for my good friend RIO. I saw him at the sales and he wouldn't take his hands out of his pockets long enough to buy me a beer,....let alone bid on a horse.

    RIO reaching for his wallet looks alot like Skippy going through his pouch....Those little arms just aren't quite long enough. ;)

    RIO likes this post.

  • godockersgodockers    19 posts
    Unfortunately because you all are conspiracy theorists you fail to realise that racing has many professional punters that spend countless hours and resources on the form ... unlike you lot who spend hours whingeing and talking absolute crap , just becuase people win at racing doesnt have to mean its corrupt!!! It is possible some people are smarter than you 2 dollar detectives you know!!

    MorganJames likes this post.

  • careycarey    6,424 posts

    so godockers, you are ptt's very first 'professional'.
    awesome.
    wa racing.....pure as the driven snow, hereby verified by godockers.

    signed ,.....a 2 buck detective!
  • godockersgodockers    19 posts
    Simple solution Carey....Dont bet on it!!! Then u have no complaints.... easy fix
    No one makes u bet on it, bet on something you believe to be honest , then u wont have to whinge

    Rodent dislikes this post.

  • FastmoneyFastmoney    4,912 posts
    edited February 2013
    godockers said:

    Unfortunately because you all are conspiracy theorists you fail to realise that racing has many professional punters that spend countless hours and resources on the form ... unlike you lot who spend hours whingeing and talking absolute crap , just becuase people win at racing doesnt have to mean its corrupt!!! It is possible some people are smarter than you 2 dollar detectives you know!!

    Godockers (and your mate MJ) there has always been professional punters.

    The thing is the average punter is more informed than they ever have been and that is the very reason the discrepancies are so obvious.

    Some of the "2 dollar detectives" on this forum turnover 6 figure sums per week and make a good living off the punt.

    To make out it is ill informed losers making comments shows you clearly don`t know what you`re talking about.

    With your mind set, you would be a prime candidate for a stewards cadetship.





  • godockersgodockers    19 posts
    once again Sherlock, if you are such a good judge and making your "6 figure living" it cant be as bad as u say , or are u just such a genius you can beat the massive corruption you keep complaining about? You couldnt be a steward cause the hat wouldnt fit on your " 6 figure head '
  • careycarey    6,424 posts
    1....who is complaining?
    you and the stewards have verified all is hunky dory, what more could we ask for?

    2....who says i bet on it?

    3.... who says i am whinging?

    and congrats on being able to make your living gambling.
    the mind boggles.
  • careycarey    6,424 posts
    "once again Sherlock, if you are such a good judge and making your "6 figure living" it cant be as bad as u say , or are u just such a genius you can beat the massive corruption you keep complaining about? You couldnt be a steward cause the hat wouldnt fit on your " 6 figure head ':"

    a guy with your expertise, should know you can find naughty stuff statistically, and like any other factor, use it to your advantage.
    well you can provided you're not a steward apparently, as it's officially all sweet, coz they and godockers have verified it as thus.
  • godockersgodockers    19 posts
    I didnt say I win at it , I just said that because some people do it doesnt mean there is an Ill wind blowing!!
  • RIORIO    14,902 posts
    edited February 2013
    godockers said:

    once again Sherlock, if you are such a good judge and making your "6 figure living" it cant be as bad as u say , or are u just such a genius you can beat the massive corruption you keep complaining about? You couldnt be a steward cause the hat wouldnt fit on your " 6 figure head '

    especially with that eye for detail...your a prime steward potential...It wasn't stated that anyone was "making a 6 figure living" it was written that they may "turnover 6 figure sums per week"..

    And as for me..i know it happens, and i'm not a punter.... i'm a horse owner that spends good money getting screwed over by corrupt pieces of poor examples of human beings...but it wont go on for ever..the stewards will get it sorted..And the corruption will stop or someone - or several - will go down...i actually feel that the heat will come on and they will move somewhere else...either way it exists, the stewards have started looking...and our industry will be a lot better for teh fact that they are looking..

    Carlosa likes this post.

  • RodentRodent    7,470 posts
    godockers said:

    Simple solution Carey....Dont bet on it!!! Then u have no complaints.... easy fix
    No one makes u bet on it, bet on something you believe to be honest , then u wont have to whinge

    Nice one. That's like saying if you don't like getting robbed, leave your wallet at home.

  • licklick    366 posts
    If you think there are problems - what are they ? Please be specific.
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