Bag Of Nickels will be allowed to run at Warwick Farm on Saturday despite being the subject of an ongoing inquiry into the bona fides of her ownership.
Friday’s hearing by Racing NSW stewards also encompassed the conduct of former harness racing steward Matthew Bentley following Bag Of Nickels’ win at Rosehill on Boxing Day.
Bentley was one of two stewards who resigned from Harness Racing NSW at the beginning of an investigation into corruption in the sport.
The other, Paul O’Toole, has since been charged by police.
Evidence was taken from Bentley, Mark Vallender managing lessee of Bag Of Nickels, part lessee and trainer David Vandyke and Peter Bentley a registered lessee of the mare.
Further evidence was provided by journalists were present in the mounting yard when Matthew Bentley directed comments to a member of the press.
He pleaded guilty to a charge of improper conduct and was fined $500.
Bag Of Nickels was favourite with TAB Sportsbet on Friday night for the 1600m benchmark 75 race.
Stewards adjourned their inquiry into the ownership of the horse to study the large volume of evidence submitted to the inquiry regarding the shares/interests held in the horse.
AAP TURF
