Victorian Racing Integrity Commissioner Finds No Race Fixing In Victoria
The Racing Integrity Commissioner Sal Perna has completed his Own Motion Inquiry into Race Fixing.
The report into race fixing includes 11 recommendations for action to address legislation, enforcement, information-sharing and industry structures.
Mr Perna said that while current evidence did not show race fixing is a systemic issue in Victoria, recent incidents in the industry provided an opportunity to meet a range of challenges in the industry.
“The public confidence in integrity in racing has been damaged and the time is right for cultural, organisational and legislative change to restore that confidence and ensure that Victoria can rightly be proud to claim the mantle as the leading racing state and sporting capital of the country,” Mr Perna said.
In Victoria during 2011-12, there were 4,355 races involving 42,919 starters, yet neither police nor racing officials have substantiated any allegations of race fixing to date.
However Mr Perna said additional powers or further information may change his view.
“Whilst I have seen a great deal of excellent work undertaken by the racing controlling bodies and other key stakeholders, much has been reactive to identified shortcomings and has only scratched the surface,” Mr Perna said.
The report will be delivered to the Victorian Government, industry bodies and Victoria Police.
The Racing Integrity Commissioner provides independent oversight of integrity matters across the three codes which comprise the Victorian Racing Industry.