11 Sep 2018

Manawatu thoroughbred racing administrator pleads not guilty

5:53 pm on 11 September 2018

Manawatu thoroughbred racing administrator Brent Wall has pleaded not guilty to race-fixing charges.

Stock photo

Harness racing stock photo Photo: 123rf

Mr Wall is one of 11 people charged after a 17-month police investigation into the harness racing industry.

The 47-year-old appeared in the Palmerston North District Court this morning.

Mr Wall was accused of influencing the betting outcome of Race 6 at the race meeting of the Manawatu Harness Racing Club on 22 May.

He has been granted bail, and will reappear in court for a case review on 23 October.

Christchurch court appearances

Several high profile members of the harness racing community have been granted interim name suppression during their appearances at Christchurch District Court today.

The interim name suppressions were granted pending an appeal to the High Court.

This will lapse if that appeal is not lodged by 9 October.

Rangiora trainer Andrew Douglas Stuart, who has been charged with race fixing, did not seek any suppression orders.