QRIC appoints young gun to take stewarding reigns
24 November 2022
A global search for the Chief Steward Thoroughbreds has concluded with the appointment of a local young gun who has racing in his blood.
The Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) yesterday appointed Joshua Adams to the role, following a comprehensive and competitive recruitment campaign.
Mr Adams is currently the Acting Deputy Chief Steward Thoroughbreds and has been working as a steward for more than a decade across three Australian states.
He worked as a cadet in Sydney under the best in the business, including Ray Murrihy and Marc Van Gestel, but his connection to racing runs deep.
His grandfather was New South Wales Harness Racing Club and Harold Park stalwart Keith Adams, who worked for 28 years at the famous club in various roles including president and chairman.
Racing NSW chief executive Peter V’landys once described Keith as a ‘perfect gentleman’ and whose ‘greatest asset is his ability to maintain his composure under extreme pressure’.
QRIC Commissioner Shane Gillard said Mr Adams had the same ability as his grandfather, in this regard.
“Josh conducts himself with the utmost professionalism, calmness and composure under pressure and at all times,” Mr Gillard said.
“Whether it’s during a high-pressure stewarding inquiry facing racing’s best lawyers, or if it’s talking with a jockey over a careless riding incident, Josh brings calm to the situation.”
Mr Adams initially studied law before following his heart into racing and taking up a cadetship in Sydney. He then moved to South Australia and was promoted to Regional Deputy Chief Steward Thoroughbreds in 2012, before arriving in Queensland in 2019.
He worked as a senior steward in the Capricornia and Central West region, leading a team of stewards in one of Queensland’s largest regions.
Last year, he moved to Southeast Queensland to take up a metropolitan position and has been Acting Deputy Chief Steward for the past four months.
Mr Gillard said the appointment was a key step in the transformative process the Commission was currently undergoing.
“Josh is the right person, with the right skills and attributes to help the Commission grow into its next phase,” Mr Gillard said.
“Josh has a sound understanding of racing and the local industry and will be part of the Commission’s Executive Leadership Team, assisting to develop the team of stewards right around the State.”
Mr Adams said he was thrilled to have been appointed and was excited to start in his new role.
“This is my dream stewarding job and I’m extremely honoured to have been given this opportunity,” Mr Adams said.
“I’ve been around racing all my life and humbled by the opportunity and can’t wait to lead the team through this exciting period of change”
ENDS
Media Contact: Chris Reid – 0418 656 244 or chris.reid@qric.qld.gov.au