Embattled Racing Minister Madeleine Ogilvie must finally explain the mysterious disappearance of her Chief Harness Steward, Steve Shinn.
The Devonport Cup running at Mowbray tomorrow night just highlights what an absolute failure Minister Ogilvie’s apprenticeship ministry has been.
Not only is the race having to be run at Launceston due to the North-West track debacle leaving the club with no home, now a cloud hangs over the field.
Harness runner He’s Ideal is subject to an objection over its eligibility, despite Stewards having allowed the horse into the field.
It appears He’s Ideal has not met the minimum trial requirements for a standing start race. Yet Stewards, without a permanent Chairman of Stewards having been in place for almost a year, were prepared to let the horse race.
This is now a mess and highlights the lack of a Chief Harness Steward in the State for almost a year.
Where is Chief Steward, Steve Shinn? Why was he stood down from duty? Has a new Harness Racing Chief Steward been appointed?
There has not been a Chief Harness Racing Steward in place for almost the entire period of Madeleine Ogilvie’s time as Racing Minister.
Minister Ogilvie has previously refused to say why Mr Shinn had been stood down, like she refuses to answer whether she was told that former TasRacing CEO Paul Eriksson had been sacked.
Dean Winter MP
Shadow Minister for Racing
