One of Australia's leading harness racing trainers has lost his reputation and potentially his career over a bet that won him just $820.
Once celebrated Mildura trainer Shayne Cramp was the first Australian to train all eight winners in a single day.
But after fixing the outcome of a race with his father Greg Cramp in order to win a bet in November, he now faces a lengthy disqualification from the industry.
Both Shayne Cramp, 31, and Greg Cramp, 58, were sentenced to community service after facing the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Thursday.
They pleaded guilty to a single charge each of engaging in conduct to corrupt a betting outcome.
The prosecutor, Inspector Richard Koo, said Shayne Cramp placed a bet on a trifecta requiring a one-two finish for himself and his father in a race in November last year in which both men were driving.
They had agreed Greg Cramp would open a space during the race at Mildura to allow Shayne to pass and take the lead, securing first and second place.
The bet won Shayne Cramp $820.
Other charges against both men were dropped, although the court was told of a second race and bet in relation to Shayne Cramp.
In October, Shayne Cramp successfully bet on another horse to win after arranging with its trainer that he would cede an advantage by not contesting for the early lead.
Shayne Cramp won $750 from that bet.
Magistrate Gerard Lethbridge said the effects of the offending had serious ramifications.
"It potentially undermines the reputation of the industry, the confidence of the public in the industry and ultimately the viability of the very industry you two claim to love," he said.
Shayne Cramp was sentenced to 300 hours' community work, and Greg Cramp to 200 hours.
Both men escaped conviction.
They will now have to face a disciplinary hearing with Harness Racing Victoria and potentially face decade-long disqualifications.
Trevor Wraight, QC, representing the pair, said their careers were likely over.
Disqualification would be the "nail in the coffin" for Greg Cramp's career, he said.
Shayne Cramp might be able to rehabilitate himself, but will not perform at the same level.
"He has lost his reputation as one of the leading trainers in Australia," Mr Wraight said.
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