18 August 1984. The event chosen was a novice handicap for horses that had won fewer than a set number of races. A horse of Bold Personality's ability was not eligible to race in a restricted novice handicap because he was considered to be an open class horse. Even allowing for the restricted class, Fine Cotton was in such poor form that he was considered to have an outside chance of winning and opened in the betting at odds of 33–1. As betting continued, money began to be invested on Fine Cotton both at Eagle Farm and at other tracks and TABs throughout the country. Such was the avalanche of money that Fine Cotton/Bold Personality eventually started at 7/2 ($4.50). It is believed the conspirators would have netted more than A$1.5 million if the ring-in had proved successful. This scale of betting plunge was highly unusual, so racing stewards were already suspicious before the race. Bookmakers in Sydney had noticed the unusual change in the odds and voiced their concerns. The word ring-in was mentioned, but nothing was raised with the stewards. By the time the horses had reached the barrier, the whisper had become something more. The race The 2nd Novice Handicap would in ordinary circumstances have been a forgettable event if not for the substitution. The horses entered were up-and-coming horses or older horses of limited ability such as Fine Cotton. The syndicate then waited for the race. The ring-in began slowly, but was quick to pick up pace. The jockey was surprised at how easily the horse worked its way into the race. By the time they reached the corner, the event was a race in two. The early favourite Harbour Gold, which had drifted from fractional odds to 5–1, clung to the rail, and Bold Personality, racing as Fine Cotton and ridden by apprentice Gus Philpot, claimed him on the outside. From this point on, the race was close. First one then the other hit the front until right on the line, where the ring-in stuck his head out and won by only a short half head from Harbour Gold. Even if he had lost, the suspicions raised would have uncovered the scam. As it was, inquiries were already being undertaken as the place-getters returned to scale. Post-race Suspicious after the huge betting plunge and the seemingly dramatic improvement made by Fine Cotton, racing stewards launched