Text messages revealed in alleged betting scandal

Jockey Michael Poy allegedly texted a professional punter to lay a bet on a horse ridden by Lewis German for a hefty sum between $70,000 and $80,000, according to evidence heard at the Victorian Racing Tribunal (VRT).

The tribunal heard that on August 7, 2022, at Swan Hill, Poy messaged Noah Brash to place $10,000 on his horse, Mr Scorefield, to beat German’s mount, American Russ, head-to-head.

Mr Scorefield finished third, while American Russ lagged in 11th place.

Poy also allegedly instructed Brash to lay a bet on his horse, Pill Box, in Race 8, potentially netting over $12,000.

Both Poy and Brash face multiple charges from Racing Victoria stewards for activities from April to August 2022, including alleged dishonest practices and betting on races they were involved in.

The VRT is seeking phone records from Optus to verify the sender and recipient of the messages.

Poy, now in Western Australia, hasn’t ridden since April 13, while German has been out since September 2023.