Racing Victoria’s board is in upheaval following the sudden resignation of Chairman Robert Roulston, with board member David Moodie expected to be announced as the new chair.
The Roar understands Moodie will take over from Roulston with immediate effect, following a board meeting convened this afternoon.
UPDATE: Racing Victoria have revealed that Roulston requested a non-payment of a fee to nominate a horse for the 2014 Melbourne Cup. While the fee was subsequently paid, the request was deemed to be outside of correct governance and probity for the organisation. Full statement below.
Moodie is a well-known breeder and leading owner, and founder of the Contract Group of companies, which includes Contract Racing Pty Ltd. He and Jenny Moodie have owned a number of horses, notably including Crystal Lily.
David and Jenny Moodie have been previous winners of Victorian Breeders of the Year.
The reason for Roulston’s sudden resignation have not been revealed, with no official word provided by board members following the meeting.
The full statement follows:
David Moodie has assumed the role of Racing Victoria Chairman following the resignation of previous Chairman, Rob Roulston, over an irregularity involving a nomination fee for one of his horses.
Roulston, who joined the RV Board in 2008, resigned his chairmanship at a RV board meeting on Friday having served in the position since March 2013.
Roulston, a bloodstock agent, nominated an overseas-based horse for last year’s Melbourne Cup but the sale of the horse fell through and he advised RV that he wouldn’t be paying the nomination fee.
While he subsequently paid the fee, an internal audit process confirmed that Roulston had initially requested a non-payment.
In a statement, Roulston took full accountability for his error at that time and will now depart the board.
”As Chairman I understand the need to set the highest standards of governance and probity and as a result, I believe my action is right and proper,” he said.
“It has been a great privilege to serve on the board of racing Victoria, the past two years as Chairman.”
Moodie is one of Victoria’s biggest racehorse owners and breeders and along with his wife Jenny was last year named the Victorian Breeders of The Year.
He is the founder and director of Contract Racing who have raced the likes of Golden Slipper winner Crystal Lily, Caulfield Cup winner Arctic Scent and Blue Diamond winners Paint and Hurricane Sky.
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