According to a report, a three-year probe into an illegal horse racing circuit in California has lead to animal cruelty and illegal gambling charges

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An article by The Herald-Sun explains that a total of nine men have been charged along with lead defendants Manuel Monroy and his son, Simon Monroy-Segovia. The report states that both men stand charged with more than 30 counts, including animal cruelty, horse doping, bookmaking and holding bets.

The report indicates that special agent Vance Nabeta of the state's Bureau of Gambling Control went undercover to a March 16, 2008 and experienced one of the events where attendees paid $10 to enter the 'races' where beer, food and lottery tickets were sold and wagers taken.

The report states that the 'races' were also apparently recorded.

The defendants are due back in court on September 13, when a judge was expected to set a preliminary hearing date.

(With files from The Herald-Sun)