Australian gambling authorities on Wednesday launched an investigation into why a bookmaker accepted a bet on a race horse that had been dead for more than two weeks.
The probe got under way after bookmaker TAB took a wager on Chickaloo, even though the unlucky beast had been put down on September 9 after shattering a front leg in a race in the city of Adelaide.
“I was concerned to read that a bet was still being taken for a horse that died almost three weeks ago,” South Australia’s Gambling Minister Paul Caica told reporters.
“An investigation was immediately put in train this morning by the office of the Liquor and Gambling Commissioner, which is contacting the SA [South Australia] TAB and racing industry bodies.
The probe was ordered after punter Tom Rush placed a $3,80 bet on Chickaloo as a joke after spotting its name listed as a $152 chance to win one of Australia major races.
“I knew the horse was put down and I thought it was strange to see it in the market,” Rush said of his wager for the $454Â 000 Epsom Handicap at Sydney’s Royal Randwick course on October 7.
“So I went to the TAB to see if they’d take my money,” he added.
The TAB had already said it was not advised of the death of Chickaloo, Caica said, adding that the probe would establish the facts.
“It’s expected this investigation will be expedited and I look forward to receiving the commissioner’s report of his findings,” he said.
Meanwhile, Rush can claim back his bet under rules that allow a refund to punters who’ve taken a flutter on a dead nag. — AFP