Queensland racing’s integrity boss Shane Gillard has sensationally quit his post just weeks after a government-ordered review put the commission’s workplace culture and management under the microscope.
In an email to staff on Monday, Gillard announced his decision, saying the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission requires a “full reset” with “refreshed leadership”.
Gillard was contacted for comment but did not respond.
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It comes on the back of the recent resignation of his deputy Natalie Conner.
In less than a fortnight, Queensland racing will stage its signature event, the Stradbroke Handicap at Eagle Farm.
QRIC has been subject to a number of damaging claims, with the racing industry recently declaring they had lost all confidence in the organisation, which recently found itself in the headlines again after losing their high-profile appeal against the 2020 Alligator Blood Magic Millions result.
Four weeks after the decision, QRIC is still yet to make an announcement on their next move.
QRIC were also forced to retreat on high-profile cases against Group 1 winning trainers Chris Munce and Desleigh Forster, who they had hit with bans which were sensationally turned over on appeal.
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Furious industry backlash also saw Gillard and QRIC forced to backflip on a decision which would slash the number of vets and swab sample attendants at the races in an attempt to cut costs.
While Queensland racing minister Grace Grace publicly announced the KPMG review into QRIC, the industry is still waiting for it to be released.
Since its establishment in 2016 following the inquiry into live baiting, QRIC has offered little stability to the industry with a revolving door of staff and high-level officials coming and going.
– By Trenton Akers and Ben Dorries
Originally published as Queensland Racing Integrity Chief Shane Gillard quits among mounting pressure following review into workplace culture and management