Written by Trent Masenhelder
Cover image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
A confronting report from Racing’s Integrity Commissioner, Sean Carroll, has revealed decades of sexual and physical assault, drug use, cruel initiations and harassment across the three racing codes in Victoria.
Titled ‘Independent Review into Victorian Racing Industry Victim Support and Complaint Processes’, the report details horrific abuse from as far back as the 1970s and also outlines how serious complaints were poorly handled by administrators.
The report states sexual and physical abuse and violence ‘were tolerated, accepted and became the norm in this era, with no recourse for complaint’.
Cruel physical and sexual initiations were alleged, involving trainers and stable staff, often involving children.
The report has come up nine recommendations and Racing Victoria (RV) has vowed to work through these.
While all three racing codes were involved in the report, 71 per cent of victims stemmed from thoroughbred racing.
“The stories shared offer a lens through which our industry can critically reflect and examine our beliefs and biases. They provide impetus for action,” Carroll said.
“The stories shared offer a lens through which our industry can critically reflect and examine our beliefs and biases. They provide impetus for action.” - Sean Carroll
“The controlling bodies’ referral and support for the public release of the report provides a clear commitment to champion the necessary reforms.
“Regardless of our role or position, we all share a responsibility to call out harmful behaviour and not be passive bystanders.
“It has been a privilege to be entrusted by all who have come forward. To those courageous victim survivors - I see you, I hear you, and I am sorry for what you have endured.”
Sean Carroll | Image courtesy of Racing Integrity Victoria
RV CEO Andrew Jones apologised on behalf of the industry.
“We acknowledge the harm suffered and, on behalf of the industry, apologise for it,” Jones said.
“No one should experience physical or sexual abuse, assault or harassment, including in their workplace, and everyone, from employers to colleagues, has a role in ensuring that.”
“We acknowledge the harm suffered and, on behalf of the industry, apologise for it.” - Andrew Jones
Victorian Jockeys’ Association (VJA) Executive Officer, Matt Hyland, highlighted the courage of the report’s participants.
“The people who came forward to participate in the Review are courageous,” he said.
“The Final Report details that, in the past, there were clearly people who experienced appalling assault and abuse while working in thoroughbred racing.
“While our industry has clearly progressed in recent times with more supports and safer environments, that doesn’t mean we can’t and shouldn’t do more for all our members, past and present.”
Andrew Jones | Image courtesy of Racing Victoria
Australian Trainers’ Association (ATA) Chief Executive, Andrew Nicholl, said the Report made for stark reading.
“We echo the sentiments expressed by RV – no one would disagree, one victim of physical or sexual abuse, assault or harassment is one too many,” Nicholl said.
“It is also clear the ATA, an industry body representing licensed trainers, has a vital role to play helping educate our members on their responsibilities as employers. Employees, as a basic right, must feel safe, secure and supported in their workplace – anything less is simply unacceptable.”
And Victorian Racing Minister Anthony Carbines said he is looking forward to the Victorian Racing Industry responding accordingly to intensify its efforts to improve its culture and implement the measures that will deliver the change required.
“These allegations are unacceptable and deeply distressing. I would like to extend my respect and thanks to the victim survivors who courageously shared their experiences to inform the review,” Carbines said.
Anthony Carbines | Image courtesy of Anthony Carbines
“Their voices have been heard and will drive meaningful and enduring change.
“We expect that those affected by this unacceptable behaviour will get access to the support and services they need.
“The Commissioner has made nine recommendations to racing control bodies to ensure the industry prioritises the safety and wellbeing of its people and that they are protected by a robust code of conduct.
“It is important to remember at the core of the racing industry are thousands of hard-working, dedicated people, and they deserve a workplace that is safe and free from harm.
“It is important to remember at the core of the racing industry are thousands of hard-working, dedicated people, and they deserve a workplace that is safe and free from harm.” - Anthony Carbines
“The Victorian Government will continue to work with the racing industry to ensure they have the tools and support they need to implement lasting change.”
