Jockey Aaron Rogers under investigation by WA Police after allegedly selling racehorses without approval

Investors were allegedly sold shares in dead racehorses as part of a “scam” that is under investigation by WA Police. The transactions, which put a different spin on the meaning of “dead cert”, were brought to the attention of Racing and Wagering WA investigators last year. RWWA, the controlling authority for racing in the State, has taken action against stable foreman Aaron Rogers, as well as notifying police. The West Australian is aware that a bunch of novice investors spent about $80,000 on shares in racehorses, which were offered to them by Mr Rogers, a former jockey who worked at his father’s Karnup stables. It’s alleged no paperwork was lodged by Mr Rogers and he wasn’t authorised to sell shares in the animals. The most serious allegation is that some of the horses had died, prior to money changing hands. Mr Rogers’ father Brian Rogers said his son had a chronic gambling addiction at the time and that he was now trying to make amends by making repayments to investors. The newspaper understands that investors got paid out a share of winnings at the start, which prompted them to invest further. But the payments stopped. In one case, investors were elated to make a handsome profit on a horse, ironically named Tactical Ploy, but that was just a carrot to invest in more horses that were offered by Mr Rogers. RWAA Chief Racing Integrity Officer Denis Borovica confirmed this week that Aaron Rogers was notified in December 2021 that stewards had opened an inquiry into “allegations regarding the ownership registration of several horses and other transactions concerning racing.” “Mr Rogers had relinquished his licence of stable foreman on 29 November 2021. “Although Mr Rogers relinquished his licence prior to the notice of inquiry being issued to him, in view of the extent and serious nature of the allegations, the stewards directed that all licenses and authorities held by Mr Rogers be suspended and no horses which he is listed as an owner be permitted to be nominated for or start in an event pending outcome of the inquiry. “Further, in accordance with the RWWA Act 2003 and RWWA Rules of Racing, as of 21 December 2021, Mr Rogers was excluded and prohibited from entering upon and remaining on any racecourse or trial track used for the purposes of racing until the inquiry was completed. “The matter continues to be the subject of ongoing investigations at this time and therefore RWWA cannot comment further.” A WA Police spokesman said the matter is currently under investigation by Joondalup Detectives. Brian Rogers said his son was currently under treatment for his mental health. “There’s a long story to it,” he said. Asked if his son was entitled to sell shares in the animals, he replied: “Well, yes and no.” “Aaron was working the horses and got 20 per cent,” he said. “And he sold 10 per cent but because he didn’t actually own the horses . . . it was a verbal agreement between me and the owner. That’s what actually happened. It is a big mix up at the moment.” He said he didn’t know anything about the transactions until he was called in to see RWWA investigators. “I went in with the wife because they naturally thought I was involved,” he said. “I had to take in my bank statements to show that nothing had gone into my bank. They said, ‘Did you realise Aaron had done it?’ I said ‘No, none of us knew’. We were actually shocked. “It’s a shame (we didn’t know), but in saying that these (investors) were bloody idiots too.” Mr Rogers, who denied any dead horses were involved, said the money had gone straight on bets. “It was purely an addiction,” he said. “He had a massive addiction. “We’re talking big money that he was losing. Now the (betting agency) have got a duty of care where they should be looking after him saying, ‘How have you been able to get this money to keep betting?’ But they didn’t. “I’ve wrote to them three or four times and said ‘under duty of care, surely you would investigate this?’ One day, there was like $70,000 in the account at 12 o’clock and by three o’clock (it was) all gone. And not once did they ever question him. And then when he’d lose it, they’d say, would you like a bonus bet of $5000? “So all they were doing was encouraging him. What I’m trying to do now is try and actually get a lawyer to pursue (the betting agency).” Mr Rogers said RWWA wasn’t doing enough to educate young people in the industry on the scourge of gambling addiction. “RWWA haven’t helped in this situation,” he said. “Aaron was an apprentice (jockey) as a kid. We’ve had two or three people actually commit suicide over gambling addictions and depression. And RWWA are not doing enough about it. “When these kids go through the apprenticeship school, they should be talking to them about gambling and god knows what else but they don’t.” Mr Borovica said RWWA was keenly aware of the issues of problem gambling in racing and had a range of programs to address them. “Training, information and support are readily provided to all apprentice jockeys including a strong awareness of the rules of racing, which prohibit jockeys from betting on any race in which they are riding,” he said. “In addition, the trust accounts of apprentices are overseen by RWWA. “The effectiveness of these controls is shown by the overwhelming majority of apprentices who forge successful careers in racing whether as a jockey or moving on to become trainers or take on other roles. Further, RWWA applies responsible wagering practices for all who wager with the WA TAB.” Mr Borovica said anyone with concerns or relevant information can contact RWWA investigators at racingintegrity@rwwa.com.au or through the Racing Integrity Hotline (08) 9445 5565.