The Government announced an independent review into matters of alleged team driving and/or race fixing, and animal welfare concerns in the Tasmanian harness racing industry and the management of those issues by the Office of Racing Integrity in March 2023.
As part of his review Mr Murrihy recommended a panel of independently appointed stewards is formed to consider formal charges under the Rules of Racing.
Murrihy independent racing investigation
The Government appointed independent expert Ray Murrihy to undertake the review. Mr Murrihy provides independent expert integrity advice services to governments, sporting codes and law enforcement bodies.
He is also a previous Chairman of the National Chairman of Stewards Group, an advisory sub-committee to Racing Australia on integrity and safety matters and was the Manager of Integrity for Racing NSW.
Additional information about the review is available in the independent racing investigation frequently asked questions.
Terms of reference
A final report into allegations of team driving and race fixing and animal welfare concerns in the Tasmanian harness racing industry and the management of those issues by the Office of Racing Integrity was delivered on 29 November 2023.
The final report has now been considered by the Tasmanian Government.
Final Report - Murrihy Independent Investigation and Review (PDF 717Kb)
Summary of Recommendations and Tasmanian Government Response (PDF 275Kb)
Before the final report was released the Government also received an interim report on 31 August 2023:
Interim Murrihy Review 31 August 2023 (PDF 499Kb)
Independent panel
The panel will consider all the material that Mr Murrihy has obtained and may conduct open hearings to allow for the cross-examination of witnesses.
Terms of reference
Terms of Reference - Stewards Investigation (PDF 101Kb)
Interim report
An Interim report of independent stewards panel established to examine and further investigate the issues raised in the Murrihy report was released on 16 May 2024:
Interim Report - Independent Stewards Panel (PDF 177Kb)
Independent Steward Panel - report 30 September 2024
Report of Independent Stewards Panel established to examine and further investigate the issues raised in the Murrihy report (PDF 268Kb)
Independent Stewards Panel - Supplementary Report 18 October 2024
Supplementary Report - Independent Stewards Panel 18 October 2024 (PDF 131Kb)
Independent Steward Panel - Final Report 31 January 2025
Final Stewards Report - Independent Stewards Panel 31 January 2025 (PDF 99Kb)
Reporting concerns
The Tasmanian Racing Integrity Commissioner oversees all persons, processes and systems in the Tasmanian racing industry.
To report an integrity matter, make a complaint, or lodge an enquiry with the Commissioner, go to the Tasmanian
Racing Integrity Commission website to Report a Concern.
Implementation committee reports