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In this riveting edition, acclaimed author Matthew Benns delves deep into the shadowy realm of Australian horseracing. Esteemed horse trainer Les Samba found himself in Melbourne for the annual yearling sales, only to decline an Italian dinner with racing associates, stating, ‘I have to meet a bloke.’ Tragically, he was found dead mere hours later, the victim of a brutal murder, riddled with five bullet wounds to his head and body.
Australia’s horseracing scene is far darker and more perilous than meets the eye. Influential individuals gamble for colossal stakes in an industry amassing $14 billion annually. Yet, their game is far from fair. Yearling sales are manipulated, horses are drugged, races are rigged, and high-stake punters artfully evade taxes. Bookmakers rake in vast daily profits, showing little interest in investing back into the very industry that enriches them.
Meanwhile, jockeys suffer in silence. They starve themselves to the brink of delirium, often enduring permanent injuries while racing for a meager $130 per race. Young female jockeys face horrifying sexual assault. The horses themselves endure unspeakable cruelty – nearly half of Australia’s racehorses are annually dispatched to abattoirs to meet the rising demand of the pet-food industry.
This is the unvarnished truth every racing enthusiast must confront. This book peels back the glamorous facade of victories like Black Caviar’s twenty-five wins, uncovering the grim reality of Australian racing. Herein lie tales of corrupt jockeys, dishonest trainers, unscrupulous owners, and avaricious bookmakers. In this world, everyone seeks an advantage, often leading to the unfortunate reality: the race is Fixed.