AT last someone has listened to that bitter, twisted bastard (their words not mine) at letsgohorseracing and racing in Queensland will be the big winner.

LGHR was the first to suggest that former Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk would make the perfect appointment as the thoroughbred representative on the Racing Queensland Board.

It took some time for the penny to drop but full marks to the Labor Government and Racing Minister Stirling Hinchliffe for putting politics aside and making the best appointment in decades.

Yes, we’re biased, because we think Graham Quirk – a passionate racing and greyhound racing enthusiast – can be apolitical in doing his new job. He showed that way back when the racing protest rally was on and some of his colleagues – like Lawrence ‘the three-time loser’  wanted to turn it into a political witch-hunt.

Quirk, who served for eight years as Brisbane’s Lord Mayor, is a popular appointment with all sections of the industry. He already loves a day at the track – here’s hoping that passion continues and he isn’t inundated by every whinger with an axe to grind.

The Racing Minister was spot on when he described Graham Quirk as ‘highly respected for his knowledge and understanding of the racing industry.

“As a thoroughbred owner and breeder, Graham Quirk lives and breathes racing. He is a great addition to the team at RQ, who will help to deliver the stronger commercial focus needed to grow and prosper Queensland’s racing industry.

“I look forward to working with Graham and the leadership team at RQ to create a more resilient industry for owners, trainers, breeders and the other participants who are the lifeblood of the industry.”

Quirk told the brisbanetimes it was an honour to represent the thoroughbred industry in his new role. “I’ve primarily been a breeder of thoroughbreds over the last decade or more. It’s a natural fit in terms of post-lord mayoralty.”

That’s phase one of a newlook RQ Board. Phase two will be completed when Chairman Steve Wilson sees out his term and Graham Quirk takes over as chairman. If Labor loses next year’s State Election, there’s no chance that the LNP won’t endorse Quirk. He is already a part of the Brisbane bid team for the 2032 Olympics.

And for those in racing who think they can ruffle the mild-mannered, quietly spoken Quirk’s feathers, just a reminder that he is closely related and one of the great supporters of World Boxing Champion Jeff Horn and regularly attends race meetings with Jeff’s dad.

And, of course, we should mention that Graham’s sister Trisha (another who would go 12 rounds for him) has been a long-time race-day worker on the gate and in other roles for the Brisbane Racing Club.