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Australian officials probe TAB taking bet on dead horse

South Australia's gambling watchdog is investigating why the state's betting agency accepted a bet on a horse more than two weeks after the animal died, the gambling minister said yesterday.

The Totalisator Agency Board (TAB) accepted a A$5 (US$3.75) bet this week on Chicakaloo, with odds of 200-to-1, to win the Epsom Handicap on Oct. 7, Gambling Minister Paul Caica said. The horse was put down on Sept. 9 after breaking a leg.

"I was concerned to read that a bet was still being taken for a horse that died almost three weeks ago," Caica said.

"An investigation was immediately put in train this morning by the office of the Liquor and Gambling Commissioner, which is contacting the TAB and racing industry bodies," he said.

Punter Tom Hunt admitted he was well aware Chicakaloo was dead when he placed the bet.

"I knew the horse was put down and I thought it was strange to see it in the market," he said. "So I went to the TAB to see if they'd take my money."

Caica said the TAB has indicated it had not been informed of Chickaloo's death.

"The investigation will be looking into why this occurred," he said.

"Any punter who backed this horse after its death will receive a refund from the TAB," Caica added.
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