A review into allegations of team driving in harness racing has recommended that a new rule be implemented requiring stables with multiple runners be required to advise in advance planned driving tactics.

John Hackett, the veteran steward appointed by Racing Queensland to undertake the wide-ranging investigation, recommended that stewards become more actively involved in questioning trainers and drivers in relation to questionable drives.

Whilst a number of harness racing participants had claimed team driving was prevalent, Mr Hackett’s review found that there was insufficient evidence to take action against any particular individual or stable.

Nevertheless, Mr Hackett made a number of recommendations primarily aimed at ensuring that punters are better advised of driving tactics where stables have multiple runners to dispel any perception of team driving that might otherwise arise.

RQL will now pursue the various recommendations made by Mr Hackett.

Below are the contents of his Review into Team Driving

 

Background and Introduction

IN January 2011 allegations were made suggesting that team driving was a regular occurrence

in harness racing in Queensland, particularly amongst the major stables. It was suggested that

Stewards had not been sufficiently active in seeking to prevent such conduct.

In light of the suggestion that the Stewards themselves had not been sufficiently active, a

person then independent of the harness Stewards’ panel was appointed to undertake a review of the allegations and, should any concerns be found to exist, to develop recommendations for the future.

Mr John Hackett, a former Deputy Chief Steward of thoroughbred racing and Chief Steward of harness racing was appointed.

 

Steps Taken

MR Hackett was directed to undertake a broad ranging review to determine whether there was any basis for the allegation of team driving occurring regularly. He was instructed to ensure that to the extent possible a broad cross section of participants in the industry were interviewed so as to avoid any suggestion of selective research.

As part of his inquiry Mr Hackett attended a number of harness race meetings at which he:

* Interviewed a total of approximately 50 industry participants; and also had the opportunity of observing the Stewards handle race meetings.

* Received information via e-mail from a number of interested parties.

* Interviewed a former Bookmaker, significant punters, form analysts and industry media

representatives.

* Consulted with the panel of Stewards.

* Consulted with representatives of BOTRA.

* Reviewed films of many races that had been identified by industry participants as being ‘suspicious or questionable.’

 

Concerns raised by the industry with respect to Team Driving

HAVING taken those various steps Mr Hackett was able to summarize concerns held by industry participants to the effect that:

* Team driving is prevalent. While it was suggested that large stables are dominating, there were also concerns of team driving amongst those drivers/trainers who were associated by other means, such as through family connections or personal relationships.

* It is difficult for those with one horse in a race to devise tactics when others have more than one runner in the race.

* Multiple runners allow a trainer/driver to know tactics of more than one horse.

* There is insufficient surveillance of races to ensure consistency of tactics.

* Changes of tactics are not consistently notified and disclosed.

* Stewards are not being proactive enough (especially with larger stables) and need to ask more questions and need to be more familiar with form and racing patterns.

 

Findings

THE review took place in an industry which is rife with rumor and innuendo. Moreover, it is quite possible that some participants were motivated by personal interest in making the comments they did. Nonetheless, it became clear that there is a wide spread perception of issues relating to team driving within the industry.

Mr Hackett, an experienced Steward, viewed films of many races identified by participants and which apparently gave rise to the perception of team driving.

While it is understandable from some of those races how that perception could arise, there is insufficient evidence to make a positive finding of team driving in any particular case.

Nonetheless, some steps can be taken to ensure the industry is better advised of tactics when there are multiple starters from the same stable in an attempt to dispel the perception.

 

Future Action

PARTICIPANTS were invited to suggest solutions to perceived issues. Such suggestions ranged from those easily adopted through to those that could be referred to as extreme. Having considered all of the matters, it is proposed to pursue the following (after further consultation):

* Stewards will become more actively involved in questioning drivers and trainers in relation to any questionable drives. Even when no action is subsequently taken in respect of the particular drive, at least the information gathered by Stewards will be made available to the racing public through Stewards reports. Moreover, the location of the Stewards room at Albion Park will be reviewed in the hope of having it closer to the tie up stalls so that drivers and trainers can more easily attend the Steward’s room between races without affecting preparations for subsequent races. Where necessary, trainers and drivers may be required to remain until after the last race to address any outstanding issues.

* A new Local Rule is to be proposed requiring that a trainer with more than one runner in a race to disclose the driving tactics of each runner. Stewards will publish those tactics on course and through the internet to the public.

* Stewards will be vigilant for any late change of trainers which may be lodged in an attempt to avoid the operation of the proposed Rule.

* RQL will propose a review of the Australian Rules in respect of the right of drivers to leave the course without permission of Stewards.

* The rostering process for Stewards will be reviewed with a view to providing a greater opportunity for the Stewards to undertake form analysis and, if necessary, to consult with a form analyst.

* The effectiveness of these measures will be kept under review.

 

RACING QUEENSLAND MEDIA RELEASE

For further information contact RQL senior communications officer Hollie Roberts on 07 3869 9760.