THE present board and executive of Racing Queensland has distanced itself from any matters relating to Operation Yardage, the Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC) investigation which netted two arrests last week.
A 52-year-old former Racing Queensland “procurement officer” and a 57-year-old contractor were arrested on a total of 26 charges, including fraud and misconduct in public office.
The pair are scheduled to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on June 7.
The forgery charges relate to the alleged forgery of quotation documents for works on Racing Queensland courses and it will be further alleged the quotations were sent to the 52-year-old procurement officer for processing.
Racing Queensland chief executive Eliot Forbes said they are co-operating with the Operatuion Yardage investigation. Picture: Tara CroserSource:News Corp Australia
It is understood the matter is not related to any of the works that have been carried out or are being carried out at Eagle Farm.
RQ chief executive Eliot Forbes said the control body was co-operating with the investigation.
“The charges relate to a person who worked at RQ several years ago,” Forbes said.
“The new board and leadership team have strengthened governance oversight in procurement, including the employment of a dedicated procurement manager.”
Operation Yardage is “ongoing” and there’s speculation further action may be taken, although the CCC refused to be drawn on this.
“As matters concerning Operation Yardage are before the courts the CCC is unable to comment,” a statement read.
CHIEF STIPE NOT AMUSED
SECURITY was nice and tight for the opening of the BRC’s carnival on Saturday. Chief steward Allan Reardon was refused entry by security staff. Those who’ve known the veteran stipe said they couldn’t recall him being so worked up in all their time knowing him.
Fortunately, Reardon eventually made his way past the roadblock and the meeting could proceed.
Chief steward Allan Reardon wasn’t impressed by a security hold up on Saturday.Source:News Limited
VICS UP THE ANTE
THE dawn of the latest Queensland carnival was greeted with more imposing news from the south, with Racing Victoria announcing another $ 15 million in prizemoney increases for next season.
It takes Victoria’s total prize pool to $ 214 million, an increase of $ 40 million on 2015 levels.
The Vics will host 17 individual races worth $ 1 million or more (up from 13), kicking off with the Memsie Stakes on September 2.
EARLY BIRDS WORRIED
UBET fielded a couple of long-range Stradbroke bets to land monster dollars earlier on Saturday, before both failed to enhance their chances in the big 1400m sprint.
Le Cordon Bleu was backed to win $ 130,000 in an each-way bet at $ 101, while Snoopy was backed to win the same amount at the same price. Both failed to find the line at Scone.
The big firmer from the Scone meeting was Clearly Innocent, who firmed from $ 31-$ 17 with UBET for the Stradbroke.
IS IT BART OR BAFFERT?
“IS THAT Bob Baffert?”
Fresh from a trip to the US for the Kentucky Derby and a meeting with iconic trainer Bob Baffert, who is just as well known for his silver mane, leading Sydney trainer Chris Waller couldn’t help but notice the similarity with BRC racing manager Bart Sinclair on Saturday.
Bob Baffert.Source:AFP
Waller is keen for Baffert to be a guest in Australia after meeting him and his Triple Crown winner American Pharaoh last week. “He’s an icon over there and it would be a great promotion if we could get him out here,” Waller said.
Bart Sinclair.Source:The Courier-Mail
Originally published as RQ distances itself from forgery probe
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