Tasracing Terminates Chief Thoroughbred Steward After Conduct Investigation

Tasracing has terminated the employment of its newly appointed chief thoroughbred steward following an investigation into conduct-related matters that occurred just days after starting the role.

The racing authority stood down the official following an incident at Spreyton racecourse near Devonport on September 21, but has not disclosed the specific reason for the dismissal, citing employee privacy. The steward, who began employment on September 15, was responsible for adjudicating thoroughbred races. This dismissal raises further questions about oversight within Tasmanian racing as the industry undergoes significant reforms.

Tasracing stated yesterday that the decision followed an “extensive investigation” conducted by its internal integrity unit. Tasmanian Racing Integrity Commissioner Sean Carroll confirmed he was advised of the dismissal and expressed satisfaction with Tasracing’s handling of the matter. “The Tasmanian racing industry has entered a new era where the highest benchmark of integrity will be the foundation of the industry’s future success,” Carroll said in a statement. “It is essential that those entrusted to oversee and govern the industry…demonstrate these high standards, and that where these standards fall short, action will be taken.”

This incident follows a separate investigation completed last month by Commissioner Carroll, which revealed that five stewards had placed bets on Tasmanian horse races while employed by either the now-disbanded Office of Racing Integrity or Tasracing. While no criminal findings were made, Carroll emphasized the potential for such actions to compromise public confidence in the sport; more information on racing integrity can be found at Racing Australia. Tasmania recently established the role of Racing Integrity Commissioner in February through new legislation aimed at strengthening integrity and animal welfare within the industry, and Carroll is currently undertaking a comprehensive review of the sector, details of which can be found here.

Commissioner Carroll will continue to monitor the industry and ensure adherence to the highest standards of integrity, and Tasracing has confirmed it will begin the search for a replacement chief thoroughbred steward.