Tasmanian racing stewards sacked over betting scandal

Five stewards were found to have placed hundreds of bets on races.

Australia.- Three Tasmanian horse racing stewards have been dismissed and two others have resigned following betting allegations. Investigations led by Tasmanian Racing integrity commissioner Sean Carroll found that the five stewards, including acting chief thoroughbred steward Mike Castillo, had placed hundreds of bets on races, some while officiating.

The investigations, launched after TasRacing raised concerns in March 2025, examined steward behaviour and wagering patterns from January 2023 to June 2025 under both TasRacing and the now-defunct Office of Racing Integrity. One full-time steward and four casual staff were found to have placed bets. Castillo alone responsible for over 200 wagers. 

While no evidence of race-fixing, collusion, or money laundering was found, the breaches were deemed significant enough to undermine public confidence in the sport. Two stewards resigned during the investigations, and TasRacing has dismissed the three others: two for betting violations and one for separate serious misconduct, including policy breaches over seven years. One steward remains suspended as investigations continue.

Carroll said: “Wagering on races by stewards has the potential to compromise confidence in the integrity of racing, and any form of wagering by stewards must be treated seriously.” He recommended stricter disciplinary measures, oversight and clearer wagering rules. TasRacing said it has committed to implementing reforms, including improved staff training and tougher penalties.

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Five stewards were found to have placed hundreds of bets on races. Australia.- Three Tasmanian horse racing stewards have been dismissed and two others have resigned following betting allegations. Investigations…