NEW SHORT LIST OF SEVEN FOR QR BOARD VACANCIES INCLUDES SOME HIGH PROFILE CANDIDATES

A LARGE cross-section of the industry opposed to the appointment of Neville Stewart to the Queensland Racing Board were today claiming victory after the former Toowoomba Turf Club chairman failed to make a short list of seven.

Stewart was one of four on the original short list declared invalid following a Supreme Court challenge by sitting Board member, Bill Andrews, who failed to make that list.

The court ruled a change of Recruitment Company and the selection of a new short list from the applicants. The seven selected by KPMG included Andrews but excluded Stewart and Gold Coast dentist, Brian O’Hara, who were on the original four.

There was strong feeling in the industry concerning the prospect of Stewart rejoining his long-time friend, QR chairman Bob Bentley, when two vacancies are filled on the Board.

The short list of seven includes some high profile candidates, spearheaded by current Board member, Bill Andrews, a lawyer; prominent Brisbane businessman, Scott Agnew; former CEO of the Seven Network, Gary Rice (who now lives in Mooloolaba); Sydney-based company director Sean Clancy; past president of the Cairns Amateurs and prominent North Queensland businessman, Alan McPherson; company director and former Brisbane Turf Club chairman, Wayne Milner; and former BTC director and accountant, Brad Ryan.

The absence of Stewart from the short list is a major blow for the former TTC chairman who resigned that position to pursue a Board spot. It is also a major victory for the supporters of Andrews, who has fought hard to correct what they perceived to be a flawed selection process.

Two big questions were being asked by industry observers today. How some of those on the new short list failed to make the original cut, despite the fact it only included four people and why Queensland Racing (as of early today) had failed to distribute a media release listing the newly selected candidates for the two positions.

Industry stakeholders and the Board will now vote on Monday, December 21, to determine the selections from the seven with many still convinced that the process should be changed. QRL claims it is following the constitution to the letter of the law.