A Victoria Racing Tribunal has finally revealed the details of the betting scandal that rocked Racing Victoria last month.
According to testimony and evidence presented at the tribunal showed that jockeys Michael Poy and Lewis German colluded with registered horse owner Alysha Vass and professional punter Noah Brash to manipulate horse racing betting markets.
The most revealing evidence about the betting scheme came from a series of text messages between Poy and Brash.
Texts expose Racing Victoria betting scandal details at tribunal

“Have 10K on mine,” jockey texted punter involved in betting scheme
Highlights
- A number of encrypted text messages were introduced as evidence before the Victorian Racing Tribunal on Friday.
- In total, it’s alleged German, Poy, and Brash colluded to bet over $100,000 on rigged races.
- Racing Victoria has requested further directions and another hearing once Optus Australia phone records can be produced.
“Have 10K on mine,” said jockey
A number of encrypted text messages were introduced as evidence before the Victorian Racing Tribunal on Friday. The most damning of those texts was a message sent directly from Michael Poy to professional punter Noah Brash.
Poy, who’s phone was identified as “Leo” by the Victorian Racing Tribunal, told Brash (“Blue Bull”) to “Have 10K on mine,” referring to his horse Mr. Scorefield in a race at Swan Hill in August 2022.
Later in the Day, Poy also allegedly told Brash to put $12,000 on Pill Box, another one of the jockey’s mounts.
Tips on other horses
Poy did not just feed Brash information about his own horse. The 25-year-old also informed the punter about Lewis German and others’ mounts.
In the same race that Poy told Brash to back his horse, Poy allegedly also told Brash to bet between $70,000-$80,000 on German’s mount, American Russ.
In total, it’s alleged German, Poy, and Brash colluded to bet over $100,000 on rigged races between April and August of 2022.
Poy, who has ridden nearly 400 winners in his young career in West Australia, has not raced since April 2024. German has been out of action since September 2023.
Charges and next steps
Victoria Racing Tribunal Judge John Bowman has not brought the hammer down on Vass, Poy, German, and Brash just yet.
Racing Victoria has requested further directions and another hearing once Optus Australia phone records can be produced. Until then, the charges against the four co-conspirators remain open and unresolved.
Vass, who has not been directly implicated by Victoria Racing Tribuna evidence so far, has been charged with one charge of failing to comply with a direction from stewards.
German faces four charges of betting on outcomes of a race in which he was riding and engaging “in an action or practice which was dishonest, corrupt and/or improper.” Brash has been charged with 6 counts of the same offences.
Poy, the main conspirator, faces 19 charges.
More Horse Racing News

Machine Gun Gracie set for Group 1 challenge after WA Derby win
Trainer Justine Erkelens says that she plans on racing Machine Gun Gracie in Perth Group 1 races next season. She has identified the Northerly Stakes along with the Group 2 Perth Cup at Ascot Racecourse.

Jimmysstar eying The Everest after impressive All Aged Stakes win
Ciaron Maher’s Jimmysstar won the Group 1 All Aged Stakes by over half a length to runner-up Joliestar. That strong run now has the betting sites saying that he will be a major contender to win The Everest at Randwick next season.

Crocetti arrives in Perth ahead of The Quokka challenge at Ascot
Kiwi galloper Crocetti has arrived in Perth from his base in Byerley Park to settle ahead of the upcoming $5 million The Quokka at Ascot Racecourse on April 26. The gelding is currently a big outsider, but many have picked him as one to watch.

Amelia’s Jewel retired, added to Inglis Chairman’s Sale slate
Amelia Park Racing and Breeding has announced that Amelia’s Jewel has been retired. The mare finished fifth in the Queen of the Turf Stakes at Randwick on Saturday. She won 10 stakes races in her career and a Group 1 race.

Mr Brightside ready for Hong Kong trip after successful Flemington trial
Nine-time Group 1 winner Mr Brightside put in a strong run in a jump-out at Flemington on Friday ahead of his trip to Hong Kong this autumn. The Lindsay Park-trained gelding is set to fly out on Monday to prepare for the Champions Mile.

Steve Wolfe says Rope Them In can go for The Quokka after Roma Cup
Steve Wolfe is already looking past the Roma Cup on Saturday. The trainer says that he expects his gelding Rope Them In to do well in the Roma Cup and that he could contend in The Quokka on April 26th at Ascot.
I am an avid horse racing enthusiast and punter. Growing up in Randwick, I have been surrounded by racing through stories from the elderly’s past endeavours to the racecourse and owners that are friends of the family. I am also a data-scientist and am fascinated and intrigued by the algorithmic approach to form. I’ve has become more involved with racing over the past few years due to simultaneously delving deeper into the sport and learning how to apply a data driven approach to punting. Beyond Racing, I am an avid NRL fan and MMA fan, the latter of which I have largely applied the same philosophy of methodical, data driven punting towards and found solid success in the MMA space and I continue to track and improve my strategies.