THE Queensland Racing Integrity Commissioner KIM KELLY has responded to concerns raised with LGHR about what witnesses claimed was ‘unacceptable behavior’ involving a Senior Steward toward a female colleague at a social event following an outback racing carnival last weekend.
We thank Kim for his prompt response – as usual – which follows:
‘I refer to an article which appeared on the Letsgohorseracing website on Tuesday, 7 July 2026 titled ‘Call For QRIC To Investigate Alleged Behaviour Of Senior Steward’.
I can advise that I have personally spoken to both parties allegedly involved and have made inquiries with other people in and around the vicinity at the relevant social function. The parties are easily distinguishable from the article.
Both persons clearly referred to in the article have categorically denied in the strongest of terms the version of events depicted in the article. The information from all parties supported that the Senior Steward conducted himself in a completely professional and responsible manner. This is verified by the information I have received from other persons in attendance at the venue, which fully supports the advice provided to me by the two persons referred to in the article.
Having spoken directly to the parties, and made the necessary further inquiries, I am unreservedly satisfied that the allegations are baseless. I unequivocally support both persons in their frustration and disappointment that a routine and unremarkable social interaction in the company of many other industry participants would become the subject of malicious commentary.
I sincerely hope that the anonymous allegations arise from a misunderstanding of events, rather than any intent to harm or damage the reputation of those responsible for regulating the industry and upholding the Rules of Racing.’
EDITOR’S NOTE: LGHR has spoken with parties who made the contributions referred to by the QRIC Deputy Commissioner and those allegedly involved as ‘malicious’. Their response is ‘How could so many in attendance at this event have mistaken what they saw?’ We understand and accept that the excuse provided was that those who complained saw the Senior Steward and his Female colleague letting their hair down and socializing after the carnival had ended. They were dancing together when one of the songs required some gesticulation between the partners and that this may have been misinterpreted. LGHR cannot recall an occasion at a racing function where he has seen two Stewards dancing together. We did however witness Senior Stewards enjoying some frivolity with trainers and jockeys at a lap dancing club supposedly owned by one of their panel some years ago. That aside LGHR accepts the explanation of those allegedly involved especially because we trust any investigation carried out by Kim Kelly. Needless to say the dancing involved on this occasion was certainly not their version of the Hokey Pokey or the Progressive Barn Dance.
