THERE are growing calls for the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission to investigate what witnesses are claiming was ‘unacceptable behavior’ by a Senior Steward in the regions at the weekend.
But for QRIC to investigate there needs to be a complaint from a female steward, the alleged victim of what has been described as an ‘embarrassing situation’ said to have occurred at a function following a bush carnival.
Here is an example of the complaints forwarded to LGHR which, in fairness to the Senior Steward supposedly involved, should have been raised with the QRIC:
‘QRIC needs to investigate the behavior of a Senior Steward who was allegedly overtly physically friendly and very touchy with his female subordinate at a presentation night function in the outback on Saturday evening.
Apparently it wasn’t well received and in no way reciprocated with the female essentially pushing him away and creating an awkward 1.5m distance between them. This was in full view of racing licensees.’
LGHR is accusing the Senior Steward of nothing.
But it is hard for the QRIC to investigate when we understand the lady steward in question has made no complaint. Friends of hers – and other licensees – who are pushing this issue should tell her to ‘put up or shut up’ whether she feels intimidated or not.
There is also the need for the QRIC to clear the name of the Senior Steward who is entitled to the ‘presumption of innocence’ and at this stage is the victim of serious allegations without being given the opportunity to present his side of the story.
Standby for an update in the weeks ahead.
GHOST OF THE PAST WILL BE ‘DEATH-RIDING’ THIS ‘POOR EXCUSE FOR A STEWARD’
FOR those who remember almost two decades ago that LGHR was accused of sexual harassment when the Communications and Marketting Manager of Racing Queensland, there needs to be an admission that the Senior Steward in question here played what we believe was a disgusting behind-the-scenes role in what our supporters have called a ‘political witch-hunt’.
Fortunately for the ‘gentleman’ in question while Kim Kelly is Deputy Commissioner at QRIC he will be guaranteed ‘procedural fairness’.
But ghosts of the past will be ‘death-riding’ this poor excuse for a Senior Steward – at least that’s the opinion of LGHR, many punters and former colleagues whose working lives we are told he helped to destroy – all in an effort to get onto the permanent panel – something that was denied him by some respected and experienced Chief Stewards put to the sword during the Bentley era at RQ.
Because LGHR is writing a ‘tell all’ book, which will include some major exposes of what went on behind the scenes during his turbulent time at RQ, we prefer not to elaborate right now. You can rest assured it will be a ‘must read’ and hopefully a ‘best seller’. Here’s a teaser: It involves the cover-up of winners being ‘hit’ by a visiting trainer and how LGHR tried to warn the then RQ Chairman not to employ a ‘corrupt’ interstate steward with links to a prominent Queensland racing family to replace Alan Reardon after he was sacked in controversial circumstances by the Board.
