Victorian trainer faces three charges over alleged horse scam

Racing Victoria stewards have charged trainer Ricardo Meunier with three alleged breaches of the Australian Rules of Racing following an investigation into his dealings with a registered owner over a thoroughbred racehorse.

The charges, issued under AR 229(1)(a) and AR 227(b), relate to allegations of fraudulent, dishonest or improper conduct, including attempting to involve another person in a breach of the rules.

The first charge alleges Meunier dishonestly represented to a registered owner on October 12, 2025, that he had acquired ownership of a racehorse and offered the owner a 50 per cent share.

The owner subsequently transferred money into Meunier’s nominated bank account, despite the trainer having no ownership of the horse or authority to sell shares in it, with the animal not in his possession or care.

The second charge alleges that, between October 16 and December 2, 2025, Meunier attempted to defraud the owner by providing an altered photograph purportedly showing the horse.

A third charge, issued in the alternative, alleges dishonest conduct over the same period, including providing the owner with a video purportedly showing the horse in work and seeking payment of training fees.

Stewards allege the horse was not in Meunier’s possession or under his care at any relevant time.

The charges will be heard before the Victorian Racing Tribunal on a date to be fixed.