No runners today

SANDOWN-LAKESIDE
PATINACK FARM HCP (72) Race 2 - 1,200 m
IRIDESCENTE
PREMIER SIGNS HCP (72) Race 3 - 1,400 m
ZUCKERBERG
THE COVE HOTEL HCP (72) Race 4 - 1,300 m
OUTDOOR
SPORTINGBET HCP (78) Race 5 - 1,200 m
SMOKIN' JOEY
EVENT LANDSCAPING SOLUTIONS-78 Race 7 - 1,400 m
CHAMANDI

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.

Other Stories

Results 1 - 10 of 12 documents

Log in for all the latest information on your horse and VIP stable news for owners.

The Freedman brothers took a decision in 2002 to switch from a metropolitan training regime to a unique environment on the Mornington Peninsula - they built the world-class complex known as Markdel

Mike Sheahan talks to Lee Freedman

Lee Freedman tells MIKE SHEAHAN why he was happy to hand over the reins.