ARTICLE FROM RACING NSW
Racing NSW has announced the formation of a new Investigations and Surveillance Unit to complement the work of the Racing NSW Stewards Panel in addressing potential integrity challenges for thoroughbred racing in New South Wales.
With the impending retirement of Mr Bob Nicholson, the role of Racecourse Detective will effectively become redundant and the new Investigations and Surveillance Unit will be headed by a person who has Senior Police Officer experience with proven investigative skills in intelligence gathering, forensics, surveillance and preparation of briefs of evidence.
The unit will include an investigator with veterinary qualifications whose role will involve providing expertise in operations designed to counter the use of new age drugs, particularly those that are performance enhancing and are difficult to detect in raceday samples. Additionally, the unit will be active in operations aimed at detecting raceday treatments.
Racing NSW Chairman of Stewards, Mr Ray Murrihy, warmly welcomed the formation of the new unit and particularly looks forward to the new unit forging an even closer liaison with State and Federal law enforcement agencies.
Racing NSW Chief Executive, Mr Peter V’landys, said: “The Investigations and Surveillance Unit will add a range of expertise and be a valuable adjunct to the Stewards panel by being proactive in the industry in ensuring the integrity of NSW racing remains at the highest level.
“We will do everything in our power to ensure punters and participants can wager with confidence knowing that they are on a level playing field.
“This will complement the $1.5 million investment in additional drug detection equipment that allows the testing for 1000 drugs in a single test.
“Racing New South Wales will also continue its policy to freeze samples for future testing,” Mr V’landys added.