Racing Queensland is set for a major shake-up after integrity boss Shane Gillard quit his post, in the wake of a government report that put the organisation under scrutiny.
Gillard was only appointed in December 2021 but Gillard told staff, via email, that Queensland Racing Integrity Commission needs a “full reset” and “refreshed leadership”.
Natalie Connor, who was Gillard’s deputy had already resigned in recent weeks.
QRIC has been involved in several high-profile dramas which have lead to many in the industry losing confidence in the organisation.
One of the biggest has been the stripping and subsequent reinstatement of Alligator Blood’s Gold Coast Magic Millions 3YO Guineas win, after it tested positive to altrenogest in a post-race swab.
QRIC has also been forced onto the defence over cases against group 1 winning trainers Desleigh Forster and Chris Munce, who were both given bans, but had them overturned on appeal.
QRIC was established in 2016 after a investigation into live baiting, a practice done in greyhound racing, but it has had high staff turnovers and many changes at executive level.
The Queensland Government ordered the review into QRIC, with KMPG given the reins to investigate the culture and management of the commission.
In less than two weeks the Stradbroke Handicap, one of the key races on the Queensland racing calendar, will be run at Eagle Farm.
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