Lewis Report Calls For Single Disciplinary Tribunal
Judge Gordon Lewis has called for a new body, based on the structure of the Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board, to become the sole appeal and disciplinary body for all codes.
The report also called for the Racing Appeals Tribunal to be abolished, with appeals being determined by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
The report also recommended that:
- RVL reviews the rule regarding the announcement of changed riding tactics to ensure punters are notified as early as practicable
- In light of technological advances, the ban on the transmission of betting odds from racecourses be reviewed
- The operation and accuracy of timing equipment and the accuracy of race distances be checked routinely at all thoroughbred, harness and greyhound racetracks
- Sectional times for races be recorded and made publicly available for all codes
- Racehorses not be permitted to have their first start before an official trial
The report also found that “criminal activity in the racing industry was rampant”, but shadow racing minister Denis Napthine said it was an “extraordinary finding that would have never been revealed if the Allanson betting affairs had not come to light”.
Stephen Allanson, Racing Victoria's chief executive, lost his job after lying about the volume of his betting under a false name.
Judge Lewis also called for “an enlargement of the commitment by Victoria Police to deal with illicit activities by licensed and non-licensed persons”.