Queensland Racing stewards stand down club officialsQueensland Racing Limited (QRL) stewards today stood down raceday officials employed by the Mackay Turf Club who were not acting in the best interests of racing following a concern expressed by a stakeholder at the Mackay races on March 19, 2009.
The resultant investigation of the complaint by stewards revealed that the clerk of course, the starter and some barrier attendants employed by the club to carry out raceday duties were consuming alcohol in an on-course machinery storage shed. Stewards conducted breathalyser tests that revealed positive readings. The raceday officials were stood down from officiating at any race meeting until investigations conclude and a comprehensive investigation will be conducted as soon as possible.
“Stewards have an obligation to uphold integrity at race meetings and in particular to ensure the safety of riders and horses,” said QRL chairman Mr Bob Bentley.
“For club officials to perform official functions under the influence of drugs or alcohol while working around horses is absolutely unacceptable at any level of racing as it poses significant risk to horses and riders.
“QRL stewards have been particularly active in the enforcement of drug and alcohol regulations and have had concerns for some time at the loose control of some integrity functions carried out by race clubs.
“This latest incident at Mackay unfortunately comes on the back of an incident of sharpened spurs being used at barrier practice at Eagle Farm racecourse and the attempted cover up by Queensland Turf Club employees in giving false evidence to a steward's inquiry. Details have been forwarded to the director of the Office of Liquor, Gambling and Racing.”
Mr Bentley said today that the board of QRL had been monitoring the aspect of allowing clubs to perform a limited role on raceday but had increasing concerns about race clubs' ability to supervise to a reasonable and trusted standard.
“The board will introduce new regulations to control all raceday integrity functions from the start of the new racing year removing this responsibility from race club committee control. The new measures will apply from August 1, 2009, in conjunction with the prohibition of the use of stock whips behind barriers,” said Mr Bentley.
"This again highlights the effectiveness of the current control body structure and the dangers of reverting to a system of increased club control and influence.”
Ends.
For further information please contact QRL senior communications officer Hollie Roberts on 07 3869 9760.
Onya Bob
