The Tasmanian Government has conducted a review to consider the adequacy of Tasmanian thoroughbred racetrack conditions, safety, standards, maintenance and inspections.
The investigation is complete and the report is available:
The independent review was conducted by Mr Dale Monteith to investigate the circumstances around recent late cancellations of race meetings, and the roles and responsibilities of Tasracing and the Office of Racing Integrity (ORI).
The terms of reference for the review were to investigate and report to the Minister for Racing on the following:
The causes of, and factors contributing to the late abandonment of race meetings at Mowbray Race Course on 19 November 2020 and the Elwick Race Course on 27 December 2020.
The timeliness and adequacy of track inspection protocols by Tasracing and ORI prior to race meetings.
The competence and training of Tasracing maintenance and turf curation staff including how the Elwick track was prepared and presented for racing on Sunday 27 December 2020.
The chain of authority within Tasracing and ORI for track maintenance, pre-race inspections and reporting.
The expectations of Tasmanian racing participants in relation to the role of Tasracing and the ORI in track safety, preparation, inspections, reporting and communication to participants.
The suitability, performance and durability of the Elwick Race Track and future management arrangements of the Track, including what guidelines/protocols, remediation and mitigation actions will be taken in the short, medium and long term to prevent this occurring again.
Any other matters reasonably incidental to the above matters.
Mr Monteith is a former Chief Executive of the Victoria Racing Club and previously the Melbourne Racing Club.