Four harness racing figures have denied fixing-related charges in connection to the police investigation Operation Inca.
Twelve people appeared in the District Court in Christchurch on Tuesday following the 17-month police probe.
Trainer's Andrew Stuart, 41, and Nigel McGrath both pleaded not guilty to race fixing related charges and elected trial. Christchurch hairdresser Eli Sawma also appeared on drug related charges.
- Nine people appear in Christchurch Court over harness race-fixing
- Three more arrested in relation to alleged harness race-fixing
- Racing : Seven charged over alleged harness race-fixing
- Police raid racing properties across the country
The other nine people who appeared in court all have name suppression. Two others denied their charges and elected trial by jury, while the others have yet to enter pleas.
All will have their cases heard on December 5.
Police raided 11 harness racing stables and dwellings across the country in September. Search warrants were executed on nine properties in Christchurch, and one each in Manawatu and Invercargill as a result of the long-running probe into the industry.
The investigation was sparked by the Racing Integrity Unit (RIU), which tipped off police with information of the alleged illegal activity.
The RIU has barred those charged by police from attending harness racing meetings, workouts and trials while the investigation continues.
Another man, 47-year-old horse racing administrator Brent Wall also denies a charge of deception by match-fixing and is expected to reappear in court on October 23.
Newshub.
