METRONEWS
© New Zealand Broadcasting School 2024

Seven charged after harness racing raids

Laura Grigg
Leighton Heikell
Louise Ternouth

One man to appear in court today on charges related to raids on stables and propoerties.

One man will appear in the Christchurch District Court today while another six - four men and two women - face charges of race-fixing, and possession and supply of Class B drugs next week.

Police raided eight harness racing properties in Canterbury on Tuesday, and a further two properties in Manawatu and Invercargill.

Allegations of race-fixing first came to light through the National Organised Crime Group, which detailed alleged corruption within the harness racing industry.

Chief Executive of Harness Racing New Zealand Edward Rennell said the allegations were both disappointing and concerning and he hoped that industry integrity would be restored. 

 Harness racing identity Mark Purdon All Stars stables were among the properties raided.

Purdon told METRONEWS: "The police weren't interested in me, but those under me and other racing allegations."

READ MORE: Mark Purdon's stables raided