Racing NSW chief steward Marc Van Gestel leads investigation involving Canberra jockeys

Van Gestel attended the Canberra track last month to interview Jack Martin, Jordan Mallyon and Kayla Nisbet, with the trio having their phones seized at the time.

The investigation was reportedly looking into any dealings they may have had with professional gamblers.

Top Sydney hoop Tommy Berry also reportedly had to hand over his phone to stewards.

Van Gestel declined to comment or confirm whether there was an investigation - Racing NSW's policy was only to discuss concluded inquiries where there was found to be a case to answer.

It's believed the investigation could relate to Heart Of Vancouver's one-and-a-quarter-length win on debut as a $31 long shot at Canberra on September 2.

The three-year-old gelding, ridden by Mallyon, led from start to finish.

There is no suggestion Mallyon, Martin, Nisbet or Berry have done anything wrong, with the investigation still under way.

The three Canberra-based jockeys didn't return The Canberra Times' calls.

Van Gestel and his fellow Racing NSW stewards were seen on track at Thoroughbred Park several days after the September 2 race meet, with the three jockeys in question called in for interview.

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Meanwhile, the Canberra Racing annual general meeting was held overnight with 10 candidates seeking to fill six board vacancies.

A new chairman could also be decided, with incumbent Tim Olive stepping down from the committee.

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