RACING VICTORIA CEO SIGNS ON TILL NOVEMBER 2012

The Racing Victoria Limited (RVL) Board has, by mutual agreement with the Chief Executive Rob Hines, extended his contract to November 2012.

RVL Chairman Michael Duffy said, “The Board is delighted that Rob has agreed to extend his term by 15 months. His service to the industry over his current term has been outstanding.”

The extended term of the Chief Executive will ensure stability in the leadership of RV during the critical period of the Victorian wagering licence process. The transition to which will take place in 2012.

EQUINE WELFARE OFFICER APPOINTED

Racing Victoria (RV) has increased its commitment to horse welfare with the appointment of a full-time Equine Welfare Officer.

The newly created position will include the implementation and coordination of RV’s equine welfare program, including initiatives for the care, retraining and re-homing of former thoroughbred racehorses.

Included within the program is RV’s partnership with Cyberhorse in the Racehorse Outplacement Program which already provides a formal pathway for life after racing.

The Equine Welfare Officer will also be responsible for liaising with industry stakeholders on equine welfare and the management of data on injuries, retirements and stable departures in developing further welfare programs.

“The horses are the centrepiece of our industry and we are committed to ensuring that they are afforded the appropriate care and attention both during and after their racing life,” RV Chief Strategy Officer, Paul Bittar, said.

“The appointment of a full-time Equine Welfare Officer presents us with an opportunity to grow our commitment to life after racing through initiatives like the Racehorse Outplacement Program which is already achieving great results for ex-racehorses.

“This position also enhances the resources we have in place to manage the welfare of horses during their racing career and maintain our strong commitment to safety.”

Cara Shelley has been appointed to the new position and commenced duties this week.

Shelley, who has worked in RV’s Integrity Services Department for the past two years, has a background in equestrian and a great working relationship with key stakeholders.

JUMPS RACING PANELS

The Racing Victoria (RV) Board has reconstituted the panels that will oversee the conduct of jumps racing during the 2011 season.

Rob Montgomery, RV’s Regional Manager Stewards – South West Region, has been appointed Chairman of the Jumps Review Panel and Jumps Rider Skills Panel.

Steward Bruce McGinley and RV’s newly appointed Equine Welfare Officer Cara Shelley are new members on the Jumps Review Panel.

Recently retired jumps rider Craig Durden, a six-time winner of the Tommy Corrigan Medal, has been added to the Jumps Rider Skills Panel.

> Jumps Review Panel
Chairman - Rob Montgomery (Steward)
Bruce McGinley (Steward)
Cara Shelley (Equine Welfare Officer)
Ron Hall (former Jumps rider)
Paul Bloodworth (Racing Operations)
Observer - Bob Gilpin (Risk Management)

> Jumps Rider Skills Panel
Chairman - Rob Montgomery (Steward)
Sally Miller (Steward)
Ron Hall (former Jumps rider)
Adrian Garraway (former Jumps rider)
Craig Durden (former Jumps rider)

The Jumps Review Panel meets regularly to review the performance of horses and riders in trials and races, consider their suitability for competition, oversee the conduct of jumps racing and provide recommendations to the RV Board on the operation of jumps racing.

The Jumps Rider Skills Panel is convened upon request of the Jumps Review Panel to review a rider’s performance and consider appropriate measures as required.