BENDIGO
LUXBET.COM 2YO MDN PLATE Race 1 - 1:00pm
1,000 m
SLEEPERS

SALE
DAVID'S MENSWEAR MDN PLATE Race 2 - 1,200 m
ACE ACOSTA
BALUSTRADE
PANTAC SECURITY MDN PLATE Race 4 - 1,400 m
CADENZIA
PROBUS CLUBS OF GIPPSLAND (62) Race 5 - 1,700 m
ABSOLUTE JOY
ROSEHILL
RANVET STAKES Race 6 - 2,000 m
SPEED GIFTED
COOLMORE CLASSIC Race 7 - 1,500 m
DANE JULIA
WESTFIELD PARRA. PHAR LAP STKS Race 8 - 1,500 m
THE COMEDIAN

As racing gallops into trouble, time for reform

Lee Freedman February 22, 2008

IN THE cut and thrust of day-to-day racing, the participants have carried on safe in the knowledge that this industry is being, at least, adequately administered. But the scene changed dramatically last week and now serious questions must be asked of the people in charge, as what has now become known as "the Allanson fiasco" has left racing in an embarrassing and fractured state.

A chief executive of racing's peak body is caught up in an affair involving bets under a false name and then lying to his chairman and the head of integrity services about the extent of it.

It was the latter action and not the former that sealed Steve Allanson's fate as he was naive in the first place and stupid in the extreme to lie about facts that could easily be checked upon. I know Allanson and I've travelled to other racing carnivals around the world where we have shared a drink and a laugh in a relaxed atmosphere, but nothing could have prepared me for the actions he took in this sad incident.

Racing Victoria Ltd chairman Michael Duffy's assertion is that this has not embarrassed racing or damaged RVL's image. RVL cannot be in denial over this and, moreover, must mend the bridges with this industry.

Questions that must be asked are how effective was the interview and selection process that delivered Allanson as CEO? What was the list of other candidates interviewed? What was Allanson's experience in a CEO position that would properly prepare him for what lay ahead?

RVL hasn't got a great track record of retaining its CEO. Neville Fielke was a well-respected recruit from corporate Australia, but was criticised for his lack of racing knowledge and apparent distain of racing's heartland. Robert Nason looked promising, but was eventually seduced to Tabcorp. Now, Allanson falls on his sword over one of the most ridiculous things we have ever seen, and surely the alarm bells are ringing loudly. Serious issues need dealing with but how can we gain traction when the CEO of the lead industry body changes as often as Melbourne's weather?

The time has come to choose a racing man for this job. Someone who has passion and drive and can fight for what is good for Victorian racing. A CEO who can stand up to the board and chairman when he feels strongly about something, and who is easily recognisable and can speak with confidence and authority.

Lengthy contemplative processes can deliver good results, but sometimes are best left in the realm of academia when hard and immediate decisions need to be made. As owner David Moodie said on radio, RVL needs to reform. The new CEO will have to deal with a raft of issues that plague the industry in this state.

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