An audit commissioned by the Office of the Racing Integrity Commissioner has revealed Harness Racing Victoria’s (HRV) integrity processes to be “industry leading”.
The 46-page report titled Audit Report into the End-to-End Management of Investigations – Review of Harness Racing Victoria outlines that HRV has made “significant improvement in integrity since around 2016-17” and declares HRV the racing “industry leader” in the areas of integrity processes and animal welfare framework.
The report, which focused on investigations and enquiries – both race day and non-race day – also praised HRV’s establishment of animal welfare training programs and has recommended that the other codes “follow HRV’s lead”.
“HRV sample investigations appeared to be comprehensive, conducted in accordance with policy, and fair dealings with licenced persons, including explaining rights to those accused persons,” the report states.
“HRV has improved its integrity processes since around 2017 to the point where this audit finds that in terms of the requirements in this audit with respect to investigations, it is the industry leader.
“HRV has taken a number of positive steps in recent years in order to promote the importance of welfare and establishment of the HRV Animal Welfare Framework Online Training Program and the Stable Inspections Framework. Requiring licenced participants to pass the online training module in order to maintain accreditation is a commendable step towards protecting animal welfare and we have recommended that the other codes follow HRV’s lead in this regard.”
HRV General Manager of Integrity Brent Fisher (pictured) praised his team and said HRV “had much to be proud of in the integrity space”.
“This annual audit shows HRV is on the right track in regards to the manner in which we police the industry and I’m proud of the integrity team for the great results we’ve achieved in the last couple of years,” Mr Fisher said.
HRV Interim CEO Luke Spano also praised the work of the integrity team.
“This kind of recognition highlights the great improvement HRV has made in this important area in recent years and should give the industry confidence that our processes are conducted fairly and without fear or favour. I congratulate Brent and his team on their ongoing good work,” Mr Spano said.
HRV Trots Media – Cody Winnell