Vet trainer arrested following investigation into corruption drugs

Equine vet Adam Matthews and Mornington trainer Lisa Enright are in police custody following an investigation into alleged corruption and illegal activity within the state’s racing industry.

Detectives from the sporting integrity intelligence unit executed warrants at Keilor East, Mornington and Wallan from 8.25am on Wednesday, arresting a 38-year-old Keilor East man and a 47-year-old Mornington woman.

Dr Adam Matthews in 2016.Credit:Jason South

Investigators allege Dr Matthews conspired to defraud Racing Victoria stewards, trafficked cocaine and engaged in conduct that corrupted or would corrupt a betting outcome.

They allege Ms Enright was also involved in the alleged corruption and conspired to defraud Racing Victoria stewards.

Both are expected to be interviewed on Wednesday.

In 2015, Dr Matthews was described by racing authorities across Australia as being the “Stephen Dank” of the racing industry.

He was disqualified by Racing NSW in late 2015 for supplying illegal supplements to Sam Kavanagh but later cleared on appeal, and in 2016 was implicated in the cobalt cases of Danny O’Brien and Mark Kavanagh, accused by his former colleague, Tom Brennan, of supplying the supplements which led to positive tests. Dr Matthews denied Dr Brennan’s claims.

O’Brien and Mark Kavanagh successfully appealed their bans of administration charges after it was determined Brennan administered the supplements without the trainers’ knowledge.

Ms Enright has a handful of horses to her name and 30 wins in her career as a trainer.

Racing Victoria said it was aware of Wednesday’s arrests.

“Racing Victoria confirms that it is aware that Victoria Police’s Sporting Integrity Intelligence Unit has today arrested two people as part of an investigation into alleged illegal activity within the racing industry,” it said in a statement.

Trainer Lisa Enright at Moonee Valley Racecourse in 2018.Credit:Getty Images

“Whilst the matter remains the subject of an ongoing investigation by Victoria Police we will not be making any further comment.”

Superintendent Steve White, from intelligence and covert support command, said the investigation had focused on the alleged use of illegal substances in racing and corrupt betting practices, as well as the use, possession and trafficking of cocaine.

Police will also consider making a formal referral to the Veterinary Practitioners Board regarding the alleged failure to comply with requirements as a registered vet.

“Victoria Police has long led the way in terms of investigations into allegations of corrupt and illegal activity within sport and racing, and this investigation again highlights this,” he said.

“Victorians are well known for their love of sport but equally they want to know that the playing field is fair and honest.

“We also know that the various sporting codes, such as the racing bodies we have been assisted by as part of this investigation, feel the same as police and the broader public.”

Police said detectives from the sporting integrity intelligence unit have worked with all three racing codes in Victoria during this investigation â€" Racing Victoria, Harness Racing Victoria and Greyhound Racing Victoria.

They are also liaising with the Office of the Racing Integrity Commissioner.

“I can assure the public that Victoria Police take matters of corruption in sport seriously. We will continue to work with our stakeholders to target, disrupt and apprehend people who commit these offences,” Superintendent White said.

“We know there are people out there involved in sport or racing who see or hear things they know are not right and we need them to speak up. ”

Anyone with information about illegal activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit crimestoppersvic.com.au

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Erin Pearson covers crime for The Age. Most recently she was a police reporter at the Geelong Advertiser.

Damien Ractliffe is the Chief Racing Reporter for The Age.

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