Picture: Bruno Cannatelli
Simply days after being formally confirmed as the brand new Chief Govt Officer by the Board of Racing Victoria, Aaron Morrison has addressed a difficulty that has plagued the nationwide racing scene over a number of years.
The connection between Racing Victoria (RV) and Racing New South Wales, which at occasions has not solely seemed to be caught within the equal of visitors gridlock, however which has additionally arguably include that instance’s street rage factor, has lengthy been a degree of competition.
The image this has portrayed is of a generally ugly, principally unproductive and positively undesirable very public standoff during which there aren’t any actual winners, not least the racing business.
Because the heavyweights within the sport, the rank-and-file racing stakeholders are entitled to count on extra from RV and Racing NSW.
Given the previous, some might need thought it will take a seismic shift to vary the playbook, however the gentle on the finish of the tunnel that has now appeared and began flickering with the straightforward change of personnel at Racing Victoria, a brand new CEO coming in with an open thoughts and an intent to rebuild the fractured relationship between RV and Racing NSW and, in so doing, create a gathering of the minds that may cement frequent floor, transfer ahead with mutual respect … and clear the gridlock.
Speaking to Racenet, Morrison put it this manner.
“I’ve recognised the significance of investing in that relationship and Peter (V’Landys – the CEO of Racing NSW) may be very receptive to that,” stated Morrison.
“We’ve had plenty of conversations about how we are able to transfer previous a few of our earlier points for the betterment of racing nationally in Australia.”
“It’s little question it’s been a problem for us, but additionally been to the detriment of racing nationally.”
And there’s one other specific facet that Morrison is hoping to carry to fruition, that’s for each racing precincts to assist an initiative to permit The Everest and All-Star Mile to be afforded Group 1 standing.
“We’re looking for a strategy to work with Racing NSW and different members of Racing Australia to reactivate that (black-type sample) course of,” stated Morrison.
RV and Racing NSW have veto rights on choices, together with all sample tips. Once more, for them to seek out frequent floor right here can be greater than helpful.
Morrison might need formally taken on the RV CEO function on Tuesday, however he has been with RV since 2017 and he had been appearing because the interim CEO for the final three months, after holding the place of Chief Working Officer and Chief Monetary Officer, so he’s steeped within the mechanisms of the racing business typically, and has an entire and thorough understanding of the background of the present RV and Racing NSW relationship scenario.
As such, he’s completely positioned to be an agent of change, not solely RV, however for the higher business.
Whereas you must count on progressive plans will at all times hit some speedbumps … Morrison definitely hasn’t wasted any time in stating his intentions and that has introduced that glint of sunshine on the finish of the tunnel.
There’s a lengthy strategy to go however, dare we are saying it … it’s begin.
*Present prospects solely. 2nd Racing guess. Excl SA & WA. T’s & C’s apply. Gamble responsibly.
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