Racing Victoria is set to oust a bid to purge most of its board members, but faces pressure from powerful stakeholders to change or face a renewed crackdown.
A motion led by billionaire Jonathan Munz to remove five of the seven independent directors is set to be rejected at a special general meeting on February 28.
The three urban racing clubs, Country Racing Victoria and groups working for jockeys, trainers and breeders have pledged to approve current plans to revamp the current board, including the departure of two board members.
But there remain deep concerns about RVL's leadership, especially at the executive level, and there is sure to be another industry outcry if the issues are not addressed quickly.
The move by Monz, chairman of the TROA owners body, fired a strong warning shot against RV and its executive leaders.
• “He should be fired”: Munz attacks Jones
It is known that plans are advanced to appoint a new president to chair the Board of Directors of the Peak Industry Authority.
A renewed board will then be formed, but many industry leaders believe change has been insufficient and too slow.
Acting Chairman Mike Hurst and Greg Nichols, the longest-serving board member, will vacate their positions before June 30.
Nichols' term was scheduled to end in November, but the official moved up his departure date to help replenish the board.
Racing Minister Anthony Karpenes has overseen the ongoing process of replacing the pair and appointing a new chairman.
Despite a welcomed ceasefire, on the cusp of the Melbourne Carnival Racing Festival, RV has been warned that the brokers involved will reconsider a Munz-type proposal if the regulator does not respond to industry concerns.
“The major clubs and Country Racing Victoria, as well as other key stakeholders, have informed RV that they reject this unwarranted action,” an RV spokesperson said.
“We also recognize that it does not have the support of the government, which appointed the board, and is an unnecessary distraction for the industry.
“RV remains focused on delivering great racing, maximizing returns to participants, and attracting new generations to our sport in a challenging betting and economic environment.”
The urban clubs, Victoria Racing Club, Melbourne Racing Club and Moonee Valley Racing Club, along with Country Racing Victoria, hold a majority of the votes.
This Sunday Herald Sun understands that betting turnover on Victorian Thoroughbred racing has fallen by 12 per cent so far this financial year.
The president of the Thoroughbred Racehorse Owners Association, Munz, last December called for the ouster of RV president Andrew Jones.
The outspoken RV critic also opposed the decision to impose a 1 per cent prize levy to help coaches cover higher WorkCover premiums.
The Sunday Herald Sun understands that the role of Ben Amarfio, the client's executive managing director, is also under scrutiny, among other things.
The prevailing view among participants is that the RV CEO does not listen or consult properly.
Senior executives last year held secret talks with selected trainers and jockeys, forced to sign non-disclosure agreements, about the idea of a radical Big Bash-style collegiate race.
Under the concept, which was rejected for safety reasons, jockeys and trainers would be checked before, during and after races.
Originally published as Racing Victoria is set to fend off a boardroom challenge, but pressure on executives remains
