Latest news with #RacingVictoria
News.com.au
9 hours ago
- Automotive
- News.com.au
‘We were the common enemy': Racing Victoria chief Aaron Morrison chats about his first-year challenges and what the future holds for the state
Aaron Morrison walked into a furnace, as instability reigned then 'common enemy' Racing Victoria. The newly-appointed RV chief executive in late September last year, less than two months officially in the hot seat, faced agitated Victorian racing stakeholders in the boardroom at Epsom Rd. Their passion resonated with Morrison despite initial angry and frustration-charged spicy exchanges. 'I really saw the raw emotion on display from people,' Morrison told the Herald Sun in an exclusive wide-ranging interview after 12 months in the top job. 'It's fair enough and it's helpful for me and my team and my directors to understand it. 'What we do directly impacts peoples' livelihoods, it's not a hobby. They're all in, fully invested.' The meeting last year, ironically to discuss ramifications of a matter beyond RV control – Australian Black Type Guidelines – inspired evolution. Morrison scheduled quarterly roundtables to discuss racing matters with those most affected. 'A real lesson and education (first meeting) in the importance of consulting and understanding the impacts from a real raw and personal perspective,' Morrison said. 'It made me absolutely committed to making sure we consult on big issues … we're all about the stakeholders, the people that have everything invested in the game, their blood, sweat and tears. 'They're the people we're trying to look after and deliver outcomes for now, but also make sure they are sustainable and their businesses continue to thrive and survive in the next five to 10 years.' Morrison was appointed interim chief executive last year in May after the resignation of predecessor Andrew Jones. RV survived an 'uncomfortable' board spill and proceeded to revamp the executive administration. 'Racing Victoria was the common enemy of all the stakeholders (at the time),' Morrison said. 'While we had a vote in our favour, at the end of the day, it was still a very uncomfortable time. 'I'd like to think, now, we're not the common enemy.' Morrison traded in passion, long before any professional and executive pursuits. His late grandfather Ernie, a North Melbourne diehard, operated a bottle recycling shop in Kensington, a convenient front for his side hustle, as pencil-man for an illegal starting-price bookmaker. Punters could drop off the empties and put on sneaky bets in one trip. Morrison's passions for racing and North Melbourne started in Kensington. The temperature has 'cooled a bit' – on racing matters, unfortunately not the beleaguered Kangaroos – with 'a good amount of respect' upheld in recent Epsom Rd forums. 'We've got a lot of experience across the industry and it would be silly for us not to be drawing upon that,' Morrison said. Transparency has allowed RV to flag potential ideas, changes and reasons for same. RV had come under scrutiny in the past for racing decisions without real consultation. 'It was pretty obvious that was the number one issue,' Morrison said. 'We'd lost confidence of our stakeholders … managed to steady the ship through consultation and engagement … get feedback on whether an approach is something they support or don't support. 'Clearly you're never going to get a single consensus view, nothing's changed in terms of that. 'You can't please everyone. 'Most often, you're definitely not pleasing everyone but if you can go some way towards including everyone in your decision-making process … they feel included and are generally supportive. 'I think they have confidence we know what we're doing – we're doing it for the right reasons.' SKIN IN THE GAME Morrison has interest in eight horses currently, including Jason Warren-trained Pakenham debut winner Keep Thinking and multiple with Cranbourne horseman Robbie Griffiths. 'I've got the photos of every one of their first wins, four or five up there now,' Morrison said. 'I haven't had any Group success or major success, just for the fun of it, racing with mates. 'It's one of those roles (work in racing) you fall in love and want to get involved any way you can.' THE FUTURE Morrison has focused on the strengths of Victorian racing overall – from grassroots to elite level – to drive the industry forward. 'I don't think it's a case of revolution, it's more evolution,' Morrison said. 'Levering the strengths of what we've got in Victorian racing. 'We want to get racing back up there again as a top-tier sport in front of a mainstream audience as it was in the heyday, we've got an opportunity to really push that. 'I don't sit here and say we've got something completely disruptive going forward, it's really building on all the things that make us already successful and continuing to be good at what we do. 'We are the number one racing jurisdiction in Australia, with the highest quality racing, participants, infrastructure and closest links with our communities. 'We have come under threat at times from others trying to compete for a share of the limelight and we got to address that and continue to do well at what we do already. 'In the past I think we got a little bit fixated about worrying what NSW were doing, and they're going to continue growing their jurisdiction. 'We just need to worry about what we're doing and make sure we remain the best at what we do. 'We are genuinely investing back into grow the sport and look after our participants … all we need to worry about. 'If we do all those things and take care of that, we'll continue to be the number one jurisdiction and continue to be successful, I don't think we need to over-complicate things.' THE MEDIA Victoria has the broadest media distribution of any Australian racing jurisdiction – a cornerstone for success. Wagering turnover, the lifeblood of the industry, is about 15-20 per cent higher than any other state and Morrison largely attributed the position to Victorian racing aired nationwide on multiple platforms. Other states largely rely on subscription television, Sky Racing and Thoroughbred Central. Victoria has a presence on Sky but also daily free-to-air coverage on (Channel 78), which includes races from South Australia and Western Australia. 'We also have arrangements with all the WSPs (wagering service providers) for streaming and we're on Kayo,' Morrison said. 'We're the only ones on Kayo and will be the only ones on Kayo going forward.' Morrison is focused on investment in media assets and partnerships to reach wider audiences and create 'a whole army of advocates for racing'. He staunchly refuted commentary or suggestions RV media assets haemorrhaged money. 'I'm aware of those statements being pushed around and I just disagree with them,' Morrison said. 'We generate a positive EBITDA from the media businesses alone, about $17 or $18m. 'We also pay out media rights to the clubs, about $35m a year … generated from our media assets. 'If you were looking at it as a stand-alone business, it's actually a profitable business.' THE WAGERING Morrison said the wagering turnover slide post-pandemic has flattened out a bit. 'The outlook at the moment, is for year-on-year to be flat, which would be a reasonably heroic assumption compared to the evidence of the last couple of years,' Morrison said. Wagering turnover soared to a $9.2bn 'high watermark' during Covid but retreated to $7.6bn since – still above the $7.3bn pre-pandemic level. THE RADIO Morrison declared the recent sale of RSN 927 to the Sports Entertainment Network (SEN) 'a no-brainer' for the Victorian racing industry. RSN largely survived on about $2m in annual shareholder contributions – from RV, Harness Racing Victoria and Greyhound Racing Victoria. SEN takes control of the station from September 1. 'Hutchy has got the ability, willingness and desire to invest and to grow,' Morrison said. 'It's a good deal, we're getting paid for the assets ($3.25m over three years) and we keep a bunch of assets (transmitters and property) worth a lot of money.' Morrison moved to clarify the $7.5m valuation the Victorian racing industry paid in 2021 to outbid SEN at the time and retain RSN. He said price doubled as financial assistance to racing clubs in need of cash during the pandemic. RV, who previously owned 70 per cent of RSN, tried to make the station 'work better as part of our broader media business' but ultimately decided on the 'better opportunity' to partner with SEN. 'You can't really compare those numbers (2021 valuation),' Morrison said. 'We've been paid for the assets, we're keeping assets worth several million and we no longer have a couple of million dollars a year in operating costs for at least the next six years. 'On a present value basis, it's a no-brainer. It works out far better.'
The Australian
a day ago
- Sport
- The Australian
John Leek Jr probed over The Storyteller tubing allegation
Racing Victoria stewards are investigating Pakenham trainer John Leek Jr in relation to alleged race day treatment of a horse, The Storyteller. The Storyteller was scratched by Order of Stewards last Thursday from a 3100m Benchmark 70 at Warrnambool after Leek Jnr was intercepted roadside en route to the track. Race day stewards opened and adjourned an inquiry into the 'circumstances surrounding the late scratching' of The Storyteller, a $4.40 chance at the time in pre-race markets. Racing Victoria (RV) has confirmed The Storyteller-Leek Jnr investigation remains ongoing. Leek Jnr politely declined to comment on the stewards' inquiry and allegations when contacted by this masthead on Tuesday, in respect of the 'ongoing investigation'. • PUNT LIKE A PRO: Become a Racenet iQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet's team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW! This masthead established RV investigative and intelligence unit stewards, Compliance Assurance Team (CAT), approached Leek Jnr parked roadside near Terang last Thursday. Leek Jnr was allegedly found in possession of equipment which could be used for stomach-tubing the horse. This masthead understands roadside comments from Leek Jnr form part of the stewards' evidence. The CAT stewards wear police-style standard body cameras during integrity operations. This masthead does not suggest Leek Jnr is guilty of any alleged breach, only that RV stewards are investigating an event roadside, which led to an ordered withdrawal of The Storyteller last Thursday. • Blackbookers: Horses to follow during the depths of winter RV would not be drawn on whether the CAT team targeted Leek Jnr specifically, as part of a regular covert surveillance operations, or coincidently drove past the parked horse float at the opportune time. The CAT stewards conduct random and targeted investigations to uphold Victorian racing integrity. Under Australian Rules of Racing (AR255) stomach-tubing or being involved in such activity is banned on the day of a race, trial or jumpout, without stewards' permission. The process involves a tube being fed through a horse's nose, down the throat and into the stomach, to administer sodium-bicarbonate dissolved in water. The 'milkshake' is said to reduce lactic acid and help a horse run further with less fatigue. A minimum 12-month disqualification is mandatory, in absence of special circumstances, if a person is found guilty of 'stomach-tubing or attempted stomach-tubing' on race day or one clear day prior. The Storyteller has an acceptance to race in a 2238m Benchmark 64 on Thursday at Sale. The four-year-old Roc De Cambes gelding, purchased for $25,000 out of an online sale in late April, has won three of five starts and more than $60,000 prizemoney for part-owner Leek Jnr and connections since the digital auction. Gilbert Gardiner Sports reporter Gilbert Gardiner is a sports reporter for the Herald Sun and Sunday Herald Sun. @gilbertgardiner Gilbert Gardiner
Herald Sun
2 days ago
- Sport
- Herald Sun
John Leek Jr probed over The Storyteller tubing allegation
Don't miss out on the headlines from Horse Racing. Followed categories will be added to My News. Racing Victoria stewards are investigating Pakenham trainer John Leek Jr in relation to alleged race day treatment of a horse, The Storyteller. The Storyteller was scratched by Order of Stewards last Thursday from a 3100m Benchmark 70 at Warrnambool after Leek Jnr was intercepted roadside en route to the track. Race day stewards opened and adjourned an inquiry into the 'circumstances surrounding the late scratching' of The Storyteller, a $4.40 chance at the time in pre-race markets. Racing Victoria (RV) has confirmed The Storyteller-Leek Jnr investigation remains ongoing. Leek Jnr politely declined to comment on the stewards' inquiry and allegations when contacted by this masthead on Tuesday, in respect of the 'ongoing investigation'. • PUNT LIKE A PRO: Become a Racenet iQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet's team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW! This masthead established RV investigative and intelligence unit stewards, Compliance Assurance Team (CAT), approached Leek Jnr parked roadside near Terang last Thursday. Leek Jnr was allegedly found in possession of equipment which could be used for stomach-tubing the horse. This masthead understands roadside comments from Leek Jnr form part of the stewards' evidence. The CAT stewards wear police-style standard body cameras during integrity operations. This masthead does not suggest Leek Jnr is guilty of any alleged breach, only that RV stewards are investigating an event roadside, which led to an ordered withdrawal of The Storyteller last Thursday. • Blackbookers: Horses to follow during the depths of winter RV would not be drawn on whether the CAT team targeted Leek Jnr specifically, as part of a regular covert surveillance operations, or coincidently drove past the parked horse float at the opportune time. The CAT stewards conduct random and targeted investigations to uphold Victorian racing integrity. Under Australian Rules of Racing (AR255) stomach-tubing or being involved in such activity is banned on the day of a race, trial or jumpout, without stewards' permission. The process involves a tube being fed through a horse's nose, down the throat and into the stomach, to administer sodium-bicarbonate dissolved in water. The 'milkshake' is said to reduce lactic acid and help a horse run further with less fatigue. A minimum 12-month disqualification is mandatory, in absence of special circumstances, if a person is found guilty of 'stomach-tubing or attempted stomach-tubing' on race day or one clear day prior. The Storyteller has an acceptance to race in a 2238m Benchmark 64 on Thursday at Sale. The four-year-old Roc De Cambes gelding, purchased for $25,000 out of an online sale in late April, has won three of five starts and more than $60,000 prizemoney for part-owner Leek Jnr and connections since the digital auction. Originally published as Racing Victoria stewards probe The Storyteller stomach-tubing allegation against Pakenham trainer John Leek Jr
News.com.au
2 days ago
- Sport
- News.com.au
Racing Victoria stewards probe The Storyteller stomach-tubing allegation against Pakenham trainer John Leek Jr
Racing Victoria stewards are investigating Pakenham trainer John Leek Jr in relation to alleged race day treatment of a horse, The Storyteller. The Storyteller was scratched by Order of Stewards last Thursday from a 3100m Benchmark 70 at Warrnambool after Leek Jnr was intercepted roadside en route to the track. Race day stewards opened and adjourned an inquiry into the 'circumstances surrounding the late scratching' of The Storyteller, a $4.40 chance at the time in pre-race markets. Racing Victoria (RV) has confirmed The Storyteller-Leek Jnr investigation remains ongoing. Leek Jnr politely declined to comment on the stewards' inquiry and allegations when contacted by this masthead on Tuesday, in respect of the 'ongoing investigation'. This masthead established RV investigative and intelligence unit stewards, Compliance Assurance Team (CAT), approached Leek Jnr parked roadside near Terang last Thursday. Leek Jnr was allegedly found in possession of equipment which could be used for stomach-tubing the horse. This masthead understands roadside comments from Leek Jnr form part of the stewards' evidence. The CAT stewards wear police-style standard body cameras during integrity operations. This masthead does not suggest Leek Jnr is guilty of any alleged breach, only that RV stewards are investigating an event roadside, which led to an ordered withdrawal of The Storyteller last Thursday. The Storyteller turns the tables on Tishman in a hard-fought battle in the straight ðŸ'� @DanielStack33 — (@Racing) July 6, 2025 • RV would not be drawn on whether the CAT team targeted Leek Jnr specifically, as part of a regular covert surveillance operations, or coincidently drove past the parked horse float at the opportune time. The CAT stewards conduct random and targeted investigations to uphold Victorian racing integrity. Under Australian Rules of Racing (AR255) stomach-tubing or being involved in such activity is banned on the day of a race, trial or jumpout, without stewards' permission. The process involves a tube being fed through a horse's nose, down the throat and into the stomach, to administer sodium-bicarbonate dissolved in water. The 'milkshake' is said to reduce lactic acid and help a horse run further with less fatigue. A minimum 12-month disqualification is mandatory, in absence of special circumstances, if a person is found guilty of 'stomach-tubing or attempted stomach-tubing' on race day or one clear day prior. The Storyteller has an acceptance to race in a 2238m Benchmark 64 on Thursday at Sale. The four-year-old Roc De Cambes gelding, purchased for $25,000 out of an online sale in late April, has won three of five starts and more than $60,000 prizemoney for part-owner Leek Jnr and connections since the digital auction.
The Australian
2 days ago
- The Australian
Injured jockey Jason Maskiell shocked by $1.5k racing gear cost loophole
Jockey Jason Maskiell has found an expensive definition of the difference between jumpouts and official trials. The issue of barrier trials and jumpouts in Victoria has divided opinion between participants for some time, flaring late last year when many of Melbourne's senior riders refused to ride in jumpouts until they were paid for their efforts. That argument has calmed in recent months but Maskiell found out the difference between jumpouts and barrier trials after a fall last week at Pakenham. Maskiell suffered a broken wrist and punctured lung in the fall. His injuries forced paramedics to cut off his riding vest while stewards took his helmet following the incident. Maskiell thought he would be reimbursed for his equipment as per the procedure for race or barrier trial falls but was shocked with the response to his inquiries to Racing Victoria stewards and the Victorian Jockeys' Association. • PUNT LIKE A PRO: Become a Racenet IQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet's team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW! 'We're not covered for our gear riding in a jumpout,' Maskiell said. 'I'm covered for workers' comp and when I'm off, I get paid but my actual race gear, my vest and my helmet, I'll have to pay for. 'They said it was because it wasn't an official trial. They said they didn't think I was covered for jumpouts, only official trials. 'I just would have thought it's exactly the same except we're not getting paid.' The anomaly is likely to leave Maskiell up to $1500 out of pocket when he purchases new specialised riding gear. However, he won't have to worry about getting a new vest and helmet for a couple of weeks. 'I went for X-rays again on the lung and they're going to get back to me on Wednesday to see if it's improved,' Maskiell said. 'The wrist will be six weeks. They said both things will be six weeks. 'That means I rode the horse for free and I have to pay $1000 or whatever it is for my race gear, and I don't get the race ride anyway because I'm injured.' Jockey Jason Maskiell suffered a broken wrist and a punctured lung in a trackwork fall last week. Picture: Racing Photos • Monday Racebook: Brad Waters' horses to follow from Caulfield on Saturday The fall and subsequent financial penalty were unwanted birthday presents for Maskiell. His injuries have cost him rides at the upcoming Darwin Cup carnival as well as forcing him into an overnight float journey – his punctured lung prevents Maskiell from flying – to his home state of Tasmania to see his ill grandfather. Maskiell said the issue was unlikely to stop him riding in jumpouts, which are vital to jockeys' hopes of securing race rides. 'I never even realised it was a thing until I had my fall. I just find it mind-blowing,' Maskiell said. 'I guess you have got to keep riding in them just to get the race rides, but it's definitely something to think about.'
