Toowoomba trainer Ben Currie has got an extension on the time in which he has to make final submissions on two charges which involve allegations of using a jigger
Currie’s lawyers went to the Supreme Court in Brisbane on Friday afternoon seeking a judicial review of a stewards direction in regards to an inquiry which started last week.
Justice David Boddice made no formal order after the hearing but the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission agreed to extend the time in which Currie’s lawyers could make final submissions.
The deadline has now been extended from 4pm on Friday to 4pm on Monday.
The inquiry involves charges against Currie of bringing racing into disrepute involving text messages stewards allege indicated he had used or instructed an employee to use a jigger on a horse in 2015.
On Wednesday, stewards interviewed a Toowoomba trainer and one of Currie’s staff as well as Currie regarding the text messages.
Stewards then told Currie’s lawyers they had until 4pm on Friday to make final written submissions on the charges.
Currie’s lawyers went to the Supreme Court seeking a judicial review on the grounds they were being denied procedural fairness.
The two charges are separate from seven other charges involving texts which are yet to be heard.
There are 28 other unrelated charges and five positive swab allegations which are also still to be resolved.
Meanwhile, RQ is remaining silent on its consideration to refuse Currie’s nominations.
RQ sent Currie a letter last week asking for him to make comment on the consideration under Australian racing rule AR55.
However, RQ has made no public comment and a spokesman said they would be making no statement on Friday.