Watch FIFA World Cup 2026™

LIVE, FREE and EXCLUSIVE starting June 12 2026

Vic racing isn't rotten: industry chief

Racing Victoria chief executive Giles Thompson would rather be talking about the Festival Of Racing than recent scandals in the state.

Racing Victoria chief executive Giles Thompson insists Victoria racing isn't rotten.

In spite of a four-year disqualification for Darren Weir, a drawn-out cobalt saga that led to Peter Moody walking away and the Aquanita case, Thompson says integrity levels are a priority for the governing body.

"These (cases) have come to light of the stewards and have been dealt accordingly. Both (Aquanita and Weir) are high profile and gathered significant interest," he said.

"However we have the resources in place and the commitment in place to ensure integrity in our sport is maintained.

"Clearly the industry would be happier talking about the positives such as the Festival Of Racing coming up."

News that makes sense

Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Thompson said the swift actions of the RAD Board in hearing the Weir case sends a clear message that integrity and animal welfare is something RV takes seriously.

He said Weir can have nothing to do with racing for four years and will need to reapply for his licence.

With the Victoria police's investigation ongoing, Thompson said if any evidence comes to the light, stewards would act accordingly.

"It's been a very bruising experience for us in racing and will have an impact on us in the short-term, but I'm convinced in the long-term this is the right thing to do for racing," he said.

"We have to get integrity right and this is a part of that process, an unfortunate part, but a necessary part."


2 min read

Published

Source: AAP


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world