Jockey, trainer charged by racing watchdog over alleged taser photo

A star jockey and thoroughbred horse trainer have been charged by Queensland’s racing watchdog for possessing an illegal “jigger” taser and giving false or misleading evidence at an inquiry.

The charges against Ric McMahon and trainer Todd Austin relate to an incident at trackwork during the famous Birdsville Cup in outback Queensland back in August.

A QIRC spokesman said the charges were laid after a photograph allegedly captured Mr McMahon with an electronic device known as a “jigger” in his hand while training with registered thoroughbred Hemmerle.

A jigger is a small handheld device designed to deliver an electric shock to a horse to try and spark a better performance on the track.

Mr McMahon, Mr Austin and his wife Toni have all been accused of providing false or misleading information to Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) stewards during an investigation into the Birdsville matter.

Mr Austin has also been charged with commissioning an act of cruelty to Hemmerle when Mr McMahon rode the horse at Birdsville on August 30.

Mr Austin, Mrs Austin and Mr McMahon have until next Monday to submit their pleas to the charges and provide any further submissions.