Fine Cotton - Aftermath

Aftermath

Hayden Haitana was eventually found in South Australia and was later charged over the affair. As investigations continued it became clear that despite the ineptitude of the ring-in, some high profile individuals were at least aware if not involved in the scheme. Amongst them were well-known Sydney bookmakers Bill Waterhouse and his son Robbie.

As a result of the official inquiry, the Queensland Turf Club, the State's principal racing club, "warned off" (banned) six people for life. They were the organiser John Gillespie, horse trainer Hayden Haitana, businessman Robert North, electrical technician Tommaso Di Luzio and salesman John Dixon. Gillespie and Haitana also served jail terms.

Because most of the betting plunge on the race was on New South Wales racecourses, the Australian Jockey Club in Sydney held its own inquiry and warned off bookmakers Bill and Robbie Waterhouse and seven others, including Catholic Priest Edward O'Dwyer, for having prior knowledge of the ring-in.

Robbie Waterhouse has consistently denied he participated in the scheme or knew of the details. The Waterhouses had bet on Fine Cotton in amounts that suggest they knew Fine Cotton's chances were greater than his form suggested. Whether this was due to a tip or knowledge of the scam has been the subject of considerable speculation. What is known is that the involvement of the Waterhouses infuriated other bookmakers who stood to lose as a result.

The warning-off later presented a problem for Robbie's wife Gai Waterhouse, daughter of training legend Tommy J. Smith, when she applied for a trainer's licence from the AJC. After much pressure by Gai on the AJC she gained her licence to train.

In 1998, after being banned for 14 years, Bill and Robbie Waterhouse were allowed back on to Australian racecourses. Since then, Robbie has had a number of controversial run-ins with racing stewards. As of August 2010, trainer Hayden Haitana was still serving his life ban.

Fine Cotton died on 20 February 2009, aged 31.