- Racing -

Problems in the Racing industry reflect long controversy and infighting - based on perceived political interference in the racing industry, partly on differences of philosophy and partly on personal dislikes (Daubney M and Rafter T 'Something stinks in the stables', CM, 7/6/05).

The Daubney-Rafter inquiry into Queensland's racing industry will be remembered as a lost opportunity for thorough reform of an industry where rule breaking and trampling on the innocent have been accepted norms. The inquiry was limited by narrow terms of reference set by the state government. The report ultimately gave the Minister an out for mismanaging of a major industry. High initial expectations of the inquiry were not fulfilled (Thompson T., 'Still important questions left to be answered', CM, 7/6/05)..

There was concern that Queensland's chief racing investigator had covered up a race fixing scandal in WA. He suggested the information was not passed on because it was not significant (Meade K 'Integrity officer failed on race fix',  CM, 15/2/05).

The Daubney-Rafter probe into Queensland's racing industry is starting to expose the serious problems that have long been rumoured (eg failing to keep proper records, inflated odds 'sting'; sanctioned corruption) (Thomson T 'Poor turf form being exposed',  CM, 12/2/05).

There is controversy over management style of chairman of Queensland Racing - which oversees Queensland's fourth largest industry (Thomas H 'Sure bet for more trouble', CM, 4/12/04).

Queensland Racing has been accused of seeking to discredit stewards (by encouraging women jockeys to make harassment claims against them) (Thompson T 'Turf chiefs target stewards', CM, 20/11/04).

Investigations into suspected dishonesty in races have been improperly undermined by Queensland Racing chief according to stewards (Thomas H 'Race stewards undermined', CM, 12/11/04).

Queensland's premier was briefed last year on serious allegations about corruption in the racing industry (Thompson T 'Beattie briefed on corruption', CM, 30/10/04)

Racing minister prevented head of special inquiry into corruption in thoroughbred racing - but defended inquiry's independence and credibility (Thompson T 'Horse's mouth silenced on inquiry', CM, 29/10/04)

Government has selected two barristers to hear allegations of corruption in Queensland's racing industry - while Opposition called for retired Judge (Thomas) to take this role (Thompson T 'Push for ex-judge to rein in racing industry', CM, 28/10/04)

There have been many past allegations of problems in Queensland racing - but nothing has come of them according to racing minister. Allegations include: inflated prices; poor structure; political appointments without regard to honesty of competence (Thompson T 'Trouble a fair bet', CM, 23/10/04)

The person selected to police Queensland racing had a disgraceful association with criminals and was the subject of WA racing investigation, state parliament was told (Thompson T 'Race officer labeled as disgraceful', CM, 21/10/04)

Queensland racing minister has defended integrity of Queensland betting ring - arguing that there is nothing wrong with quoting inflated prices to interstate counterparts (Thompson T 'Racing minister: What rort?', CM, 20/10/04)

Australia's biggest bookmaker is refusing to take bets on Brisbane races because of concerns about race fixing (Cameron P 'Bets are off', SM, 17/10/04)

Queensland's horseracing is an industry in decline - rent by deep seated hatred, political intrigues and claims of corruption (Johnstone C. and Franklin M. 'True colours',  Courier Mail,  20/4/02)