Trust under investigation for donations to racing

An Auckland-based gaming society is under investigation by the Department of Internal Affairs over almost $1 million in donations to horse racing.

The Trillian Trust granted more than $900,000 to horse racing in the last financial year.

Internal Affairs deputy secretary Keith Manch said the funding of racing was not covered by the trust's gambling license nor by charity rules.

He said staff had been in touch with the trust and would be talking to key members.

The trust distributes money from gaming machines and is required to give the bulk of its earnings to community organisations.

In the last financial year the trust granted just over $900,000 of its $5.3 million earnings to racing clubs.

Other beneficiaries included Surf Life Saving New Zealand, St John Ambulance and a number of schools.

Tonight the $600,000 Trillian Trust Auckland Cup harness race will be held at Alexandra Park.

- NZPA