Professional Sydney punter Steve Fletcher collected a five-figure windfall following Essington’s success at Eagle Farm last month, an inquiry into the running and handling of Bold Glance has heard.
Racing Queensland stewards reopened their inquiry on Friday after ordering Bold Glance’s rider Bobby El-Issa to produce his recent mobile phone records after the Toowoomba sprinter was runner-up to Essington in the Listed Falvelon Quality.
Stewards raised their concerns with El-Issa’s riding action and vigour from the 300 metres, particularly in the final 75 metres.
Essington started $1.75 favourite in the 1200-metre feature while Bold Glance eased to $7.50.
Stewards also questioned Bold Glance’s trainer Norm Hilton as well as Fletcher who flew to Brisbane to attend the inquiry.
Chief steward Wade Birch tendered evidence from corporate bookmakers and betting agency Betfair.
The inquiry was told El-Issa was a friend of Fletcher who backed Essington to win $24,000 with corporate bookmakers and Betfair.
Written evidence was also tendered by Betfair which showed Fletcher had also laid Bold Glance at a risk of more than $20,000.
“We spoke on the telephone with Betfair’s Matt Clark and also had written evidence from him which showed Steve Fletcher had laid Bold Glance at a risk of over $20,000,” Birch said.
“He also backed Essington to win $24,000 with corporate bookies and with Betfair.
Fletcher produced evidence to the inquiry which showed his betting activities were consistent with his previous gambling history.
The inquiry was adjourned until Monday week to allow Fletcher time to produce his phone records.
Hilton, who plans to take Bold Glance and stablemate Poor Judge to Sydney for the autumn, has denied any wrongdoing.
AAP TURF
