Global hunt for next Chief Steward Thoroughbred

15 September 2022

The Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) has started a global search for a new Chief Steward Thoroughbred.

It is the most senior stewarding role in the thoroughbred racing code and is responsible for ensuring every Queensland thoroughbred race is run with integrity, in line with animal welfare standards and in accordance with the Rules of Racing.

With more than 4600 thoroughbred races run each year throughout Queensland, the Chief Steward leads the team of stewards that officiate racing from Beaudesert to Birdsville, Cunnamulla to Cooktown, and all the other thoroughbred racing clubs in the State.

QRIC Commissioner Shane Gillard said this role is an integral senior leadership role at the Commission and a global search will be conducted to identify the best person available for the role.

“The Chief Steward Thoroughbreds is a significant role within the Commission, the successful candidate will need to be an expert on racing and have a sound understanding of the industry here in Queensland,” Mr Gillard said.

“They need to be a strong leader too as a key element of the role will include training and coaching the next generation of stewards across the entire state.

“We recently had 278 people apply for vacant stewarding positions, including 100 prospective cadets.

“We are in transformation mode and have a plan to deliver a sustainable workforce by developing our own, this enables us to support the regions much better than ever before.”

Mr Gillard said the role has become vacant following the resignation of Peter Chadwick, to take up other opportunities.

“Peter has provided great stewardship of the thoroughbred code in Queensland since 2018,” Mr Gillard said.

“We wish Peter all the best in his next chapter, and I’d like to thank him for his efforts at QRIC.”

The Commission’s Deputy Chief Steward, Dan Aurisch, will act in the role as Chief Steward until the new Chief is appointed.

ENDS

Media Contact Vincene Overs
E  vincene.overs@qric.qld.gov.au
P  0472 842 346