According to a report by The Herald-Sun, Queensland harness racing's chief steward, Martin Knibbs, has been 'stood down' after having allegedly placed a $50 bet on pacer Major Nightmare to win at last Wednesday night's Gold Coast harness meeting Down Under.
The report goes on to state that Knibbs, a steward of 25 years' experience -- including stints officiating in thoroughbred racing in Sydney and Hong Kong -- told friends he was devastated by the accusation and that he had not placed the bet and that he was innocent of any wrongdoing.
The report cites allegations from an employee at a TAB location -- the Elephant and Wheelbarrow hotel, to be exact -- that Knibbs entered the establishment with two other men an hour before the race.
The employee claims that Knibbs pulled up the race in question on a wagering terminal. After watching surveillance video, the employee said that Knibbs filled out a wagering ticket for the race in question, left the ticket on the bench, and then left with one of the men. The other man in question, which had stayed behind, then placed a $50 bet.
Knibbs was stood down from duties late on Friday.
(With files from The Herald-Sun)