Ultra Pick 6 Interim Report Issued; Link to Full Report

An interim report from Giuliani Partners into the ongoing investigation into wagering integrity said the Breeders' Cup Ultra Pick 6 fix was likely an "isolated incident."

The report on the firm's investigation was released Thursday by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association's Wagering Technology Working Group, which was formed during the Breeders' Cup investigation.

In addition to concluding the Ultra Pick 6 scandal, which would have produced winnings of $3.1 million to three former fraternity brothers convicted in the incident, was isolated, Giuliani Partners reported the three major North American tote companies have upgraded computer software to help guard against future tampering.

"At the end of this process, horse-racing fans will be confident that the sport's wagering systems have upgraded security standards," former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani told the New York Times.

More than 50% of multi-race wagers paying more than $10,000 in 2002 have also been reviewed. No indications of fraud have been found. There were 337 pick six winners paying over $10,000 last year and 127 such pick four payoffs. New York and California accounted for 77% of the winning wagers.

The report also determined that the 42 individuals holding the 78 tickets that correctly picked five of the six winners in the 2002 Breeders' Cup made those bets legitimately and are entitled to the additional payoffs that will come from the $3.1 million winning payoff that was never made.

Despite the initial findings of no widespread manipulation of the North American betting system and recommendations on how the system can by upgraded, Giuliani told USA Today that no system is impenetrable. "This is the most a sport, a banking institution, can promise, which is it will be state of the art. It will be the best available IT security designed to fit this system."

Complete Text of Interim Report from NTRA Wagering Technology Working Group and Guiliani Partners

Who's Who: Wagering Integrity Alliance, Wagering Technology Working Group, Ticket Review Committee

Who's Who: Wagering Technology Working Group Task Forces