Blackmail charges against Jarrod McLean dropped

Police prosecutors have dropped extortion, blackmail and threat-to-kill charges against disqualified trainer Jarrod McLean.

McLean had been committed to stand trial after a court heard racehorse owner Ahamed Mohamed Ali, also known as Ash Ali, had feared for his life after being threatened over $14,000 in unpaid debts.

Blackmail charges against Jarrod McLean have been dropped.Credit:Jason South

Both McLean and his alleged “henchman” Darren Hitchcock had pleaded not guilty to the charges.

But earlier this week, prosecutors sent a notice of discontinuance to McLean’s lawyers. The matter will be discontinued at a County Court directions hearing on Tuesday.

“My client had always denied the allegations of blackmail made against him and now feels totally vindicated,” defence lawyer Tony Hannebery said.

“His family and all those close to him welcomed the news of discontinuance. Such a financial and stressful episode in Jarrod’s life is over.”

McLean remains on racing’s outer after being disqualified last year for three years for administering EPO to a horse. He is still to face criminal charges, along with disqualified Darren Weir, ranging from corrupt betting, conspiring to deceive stewards and animal torture.

McLean will plead not guilty to the charges. A date for a directions hearing is yet to be set.

Greece lightning?

While there are group 1s across both states, and talented horses such as Hitotsu and Profondo resuming on Saturday, one of the most interesting horses running this weekend is yet to have a career start.

Two-year-old Greece makes her debut for Ciaron Maher Racing on Saturday in an attempt to win her way into this month’s Golden Slipper. Two trials have been very sharp, catching the eye of astute judges and punters alike.

The filly by I Am Invincible – a $1.2 million yearling purchase – will wear Coolmore’s navy silks, the same worn by Home Affairs, and will be partnered by James McDonald. Should she win, the champion Sydney jockey might have to make a tough decision between sticking with Greece or partnering with Magic Millions winner Coolangatta in the Slipper.

“[It’s been a] tricky preparation for everyone up there, this week she hasn’t been able to gallop on the track, she’s galloped on the tread, it’s just been so wet up there,” co-trainer David Eustace said.

“Ciaron was up there [Wednesday] morning said he’s never seen anything like it. She’s a filly we think has got a lot of ability, [but] whether she handles conditions who knows.”

Spotlight on group 1

Orr Stakes runner-up Lighthouse was supposed to be targeting next Saturday’s group 1 Coolmore Classic, over 1500-metres for mares.

But with Zaaki a scratching from Sydney to instead run at Flemington in the Blamey, the rising mare is eyeing the opportunity in Saturday’s group 1 Canterbury Stakes over 1300 metres. James McDonald has picked up the ride on Lighthouse following Zaaki’s scratching, and connections believe the grey mare will relish Sydney’s wet conditions.

Lighthouse is guaranteed a start in the All-Star Mile, but co-trainer David Eustace said they were likely to withdraw her from the $5 million race and keep her in Sydney.

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