Melbourne, Vic (November 30, 2009) -  The Australian Jumping Racing Association contends that RVL Chairman Michael Duffy and Chief Executive Rob Hines have presided over the worst decision ever taken in the history of Victorian racing by “caving-in” and terminating jumping racing.

AJRA President Rodney Rae stated that “under the Duffy and Hines leadership the industry has been plunged into civil war of unprecedented magnitude in relation to the jumping issue.
Accordingly, shareholders’ confidence in the ability of the RVL Board to manage
thoroughbred horse racing in Victoria has been seriously eroded, if not destroyed.”
“Racing Victoria’s management of jumping racing at an executive level has been inadequate, their management of the issues has been non-existent, they are reactionary and lazy, and all of this can be traced back to what we believe as weak and incompetent leadership.”
“What an indictment on the RVL executive team that they have been outperformed by a very small group of under-resourced, anti-horseracing extremists, it is an embarrassment and testimony to the calibre of “non-TAB” standard racing administrators residing at 400 Epsom Road.”
“We put a viable plan and marketing strategy to the RVL Board for the future of jumping racing with support from shareholders and they have just ignored it.”
“A meeting of shareholders has been scheduled for Wednesday evening. As a collective group we will determine the best course of action for the Victorian racing industry, but the wrong decision has been made and it must be rectified without delay.”
“I have no doubt that RVL’s management of this issue will once again bring to the surface other matters relating to the questionable financial management of the industry in recent years and the exorbitant cost structures incurred by RVL in comparison to other racing jurisdictions. These matters seriously call into question Duffy and Hines’ capacity to lead the industry through the commercial minefield relating to the wagering re-licensing process amongst other things.”
“Out of necessity, it may now be the time for shareholders to take control of the industry, thus ensuring our destiny is in our own hands.”

Permalink| Nov 30, 2009

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