Racing Victoria set to beat board challenge, but pressure on executives remains

A motion led by billionaire Jonathan Munz to oust five of the seven independent directors, in a special general meeting on February 28, is set to be defeated.

The three metropolitan racing clubs, Country Racing Victoria and groups acting for jockeys, trainers and breeders have vowed to endorse existing plans to refresh the current board, including two directors’ departures.

But deep concerns remain about RVL leadership, particularly at the executive level, and another industry protest is certain if issues are not addressed swiftly.

The move by Munz, head of the owners body TROA, has fired a strong warning shot against RV and its executive leaders.

• ‘He needs to be sacked’: Munz attacks Jones

It is understood that plans are advanced for the appointment of a new chairman to head the peak industry body’s board.

A refreshed board will then be put in place, but many industry leaders believe change has been insufficient and too slow.

Acting chairman Mike Hirst and Greg Nichols, the longest serving director on the board, will vacate their positions before June 30.

Nichols’s term was due to expire in November but the administrator brought forward his departure to help the board renewal.

An ongoing process to replace the pair, and appointment of a new chairperson, has been overseen by Racing Minister Anthony Carbines.

Despite a welcomed ceasefire, on the cusp of Melbourne’s Festival of Racing Carnival, RV has been warned the concerned powerbrokers would revisit a Munz-type motion should the regulator not heed industry concerns.

“The metropolitan clubs and Country Racing Victoria, as well as other key stakeholders, have advised RV they have rejected this unwarranted action,” an RV spokesman said.

“We are also aware it is not supported by the government, which appointed the board, and is a needless distraction for the industry.

“RV remains focused on delivering great racing, maximising returns for participants, and attracting new generations to our sport in a challenging wagering and economic environment.”

The metropolitan clubs, Victoria Racing Club, Melbourne Racing Club and Moonee Valley Racing Club, along with Country Racing Victoria, hold the majority of votes.

This Sunday Herald Sun understands wagering turnover on Victorian thoroughbred racing is down about 12 per cent to date this financial year.

Thoroughbred Racehorse Owners’ Association chairman Munz last December called for RV chief Andrew Jones to be sacked.

The outspoken RV critic also opposed a decision to introduce a one per cent prizemoney levy to help trainers cover skyrocketing WorkCover premiums.

The Sunday Herald Sun understands Ben Amarfio’s role, executive general manager customer, is also under scrutiny, among others.

A prevailing view among participants is the RV executive does not listen or properly consult.

Senior executives last year held secret talks with select trainers and jockeys, forced to sign nondisclosure agreements, about a radical Big Bash-style team racing idea.

Under the concept, rebuffed on safety grounds, jockeys and trainers would be mic’d up before, during and after races.

Originally published as Racing Victoria set to beat board challenge, but pressure on executives remains