Victorian Deputy Chief Steward named as Brenton Scott’s successor at RQ
The Deputy Chief Steward at Greyhound Racing Victoria (GRV), Mr Alex Kitching, has been named as the incumbent for the position of Senior Racing Manager at Racing Queensland (RQ).
The position has been vacant since March 2024, when Brenton Scott vacated the role to take on the task of reforming the South Australian greyhound industry, which had been given just two years to reform or be banned in December 2023.
According to an RQ media release, Kitching will start in the new role on June 17, 2024.
An RQ spokesperson said that “Mr Kitching brings more than a decade worth of industry experience to the role, which will oversee the strategic management of greyhound racing operations and commercial performance.
“Serving as both a thoroughbred and greyhound racing steward at Racing Queensland from 2011-2016, Mr Kitching made the move to the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission as a Senior Betting and Intelligence Officer.
“In 2018, he was appointed Chief Stipendiary Steward for the greyhound code, before relocating to Victoria.
“Since June 2021, Mr Kitching has served as Deputy Chief Steward at Greyhound Racing Victoria, leading and managing the operations for more than 1,300 meetings annually,” the spokesperson said.
RQ Executive General Manager of Operations (EGM), Adam Wallish, who is himself vacating his role with RQ, said Kitching was the obvious choice to fill Scott's shoes.
“There is no more exciting time to be involved in the code, with strong growth both on and off the track in recent years.
“Alex's appointment coincides with the construction of Queensland's world-class new home of greyhound racing, The Q, which will signal a new era for the code in the Sunshine State.
“We have no doubt that Alex will continue to build on Brenton Scott's incredible foundation, and look forward to welcoming him back to RQ,” Wallish said.
Kitching's goal is to maintain the advancements seen in recent years, aiming for both local and global acclaim for Queensland's greyhound racing to continue.
“Spending the majority of my career in Queensland, I have a deep appreciation for the unique characteristics of the Queensland greyhound racing industry.
“By prioritising the welfare of the greyhounds and ensuring the sustainability of the sport, I aim to continue building on the fantastic work done in recent years to see the code recognised and admired both locally and internationally.
“The rich heritage, diverse tracks, and great people across the state makes it all the more enticing to be a part of helping to shape the future of greyhound racing in Queensland,” he said.
RQ will now turn it's attention to finding a replacement for EGM Wallish, who steps down on July 19, 2024.