QRIC Media Release: Gleeson Review recommendations implemented by QRIC

Tuesday 30 April, 2024

The Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) has actioned the recommendations from Mr Desmond Gleeson, following his review of protest decisions from race meetings in March 2024.

Mr Gleeson reviewed two protest decisions, from Saturday 30th March 2024 Beaudesert Race 3: GLENFIDDICH FIRST WEANLINGS QTIS THREE-YEAR-OLD BENCHMARK 65 HANDICAP 1100 Metres and Saturday 23rd March 2024 Gold Coast Race 6: MAKITA AUSTRALIA QTIS THREE-YEAR-OLD MAIDEN HANDICAP 1200 Metres.

In the matter of Beaudesert Race 3, Mr Gleeson determined that, in the interest of transparency and fairness, any jockey whose horse may have a bearing, even a slight one, on the decision should be present for questioning during the protest hearing. This would enable stewards and connections to question that jockey and clarify if their horse contributed to any interference.

In the matter of Gold Coast Race 6, Mr Gleeson determined that the decision was open to the steward who observed the interference to lodge a protest, and that the Chairperson at the meeting should have led the hearing. The steward who lodged the protest should have attended the hearing as a witness only.

Mr Gleeson’s review outlined recommendations pertaining to AR219:

(2) A protest may be made by a Steward or the Starter in their official capacity, in the case of such a protest in relation to a matter referred to in Sub Rule (3) it must be made before correct weight is declared.
 (3) any protest by the persons authorised under Sub-Rule 1 (b) (Trainer/Rider) against a horse on the grounds of:
    (a) an interference in the running of a race as provided for in AR 130 (1) must be made to the
     Stewards at the scale before the riders of all placed horses are weighed in or at any time allowed
     by the Stewards prior to the signalling of Correct Weight.

Based upon Mr Gleeson’s recommendations, the following actions have been implemented by QRIC:

  • Any jockey mentioned in evidence during a protest hearing will attend the protest hearing to be questioned by QRIC stewards and other involved parties.
  •  The steward who lodges the protest should be the person who witnesses the interference.
  • The steward who lodges the protest will not participate on the stewards’ panel at protest hearings and will attend the hearing as a witness only. Sufficient staff will be rostered at race meetings, ensuring the steward panel will not be depleted in the event of a steward’s protest hearing.
  • Continued training of all QRIC Stewards.

ENDS.

Media Contact Nicole Rowles 0467 955 412