Racing: Blistering attack too much for RVL chief

Steeplechasing has an uncertain long-term future in Australia, much to the chagrin of AJRA chairman Rodney Rae. Photo / Glen Jeffrey

MELBOURNE - Racing Victoria chief executive Rob Hines has refused to deal with Australian Jumping Racing Association chairman Rodney Rae.

Hines said Rae, who launched a scathing attack on the RVL board after it deferred an announcement on the future of steeplechase races, would be banned from future negotiations.

The deferment was met with hostility by the AJRA with Rae claiming the board has failed the industry.

"This is the final straw for us," he told the Age. "To defer a decision on steeplechase racing is totally unsatisfactory. The uncertainty needed to be removed and the board has failed in its responsibility.

"The chairman Michael Duffy and the chief executive Rob Hines have clearly run their race and have to go."

Rae said the board's decision to extend the life of hurdle racing was appropriate as jumps racing had enjoyed its best season.

"But then to turn around and suspend a decision on steeplechase racing shows a definite lack of leadership and commitment."

With tensions still running high, Hines blasted Rae for "playing the man" and threatening repercussions for Duffy in elections this year.

He said Melbourne Racing Club chairman and jumps powerbroker Mike Symons was "the voice of reason in the jumps racing community".

"Rodney's idea of playing the man will backfire on him," Hines said. "I question whether the jumps racing community has the right leadership, given the difficulties we've had working with the AJRA and how well we've worked with Mike Symons.

"One wonders if there would have been a jump season without Mike Symons. He's really been the white knight.

"We intend to continue to negotiate with Mike on any safety improvements with steeplechase racing. We won't be negotiating with the AJRA while Rodney is there."

Hines said he was mystified by Rae's outburst, given RVL received a joint submission from the AJRA and Symons asking for a three-year extension for hurdle racing and one year for steeplechase.

He said the board would consider whether steeplechase racing received a three-year or one-year extension at next month's meeting.

"We find it a little surprising given the RVL board essentially gave jumps racing more than they asked for," Hines said.

"We have committed to a three-year hurdle programme. We have removed the key performance indicators for falls and field sizes, and we have a rolling KPI on fatalities, and last season's numbers roll over.

"The general reaction from the jumps community has been very confident."

- AAP