Port Adelaide champion George Fiacchi joins the Harness board as the government steps up its control of the racing industry

A Port Adelaide club champion, an army military veteran, and a former CEO of the state’s second largest home building firm are new appointees to run the state’s racing industry.

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Port Adelaide club champion George Fiacchi has been appointed to the board of Harness Racing SA as the State Government increases its control over the racing industry.

Former army pilot Emma Grigson-Gair, who is now the director of disaster preparedness and resilience at the Department for Health and Wellbeing, and former Rivergum Homes chief executive Marc Taintey, have also been made directors.

All three appointments to the HRSA board, based at Globe Derby Park, were sanctioned by Racing Minister Corey Wingard. The Government has been involved in all board appointments at the three racing codes since announcing a $24 million rescue package in June.

Port Adelaide Magpies premiership players Tim Ginever and George Fiacchi.

The cash injection came with the stipulation that the sport, which includes thoroughbred, harness and greyhound racing, must seek greater corporate expertise at board level and demonstrate a sustainable business model.

Mr Wingard said the new board members would bring “fresh ideas” and the ability to “grow the organisation’s top line and increase revenue”. “I want to see harness racing grow as I believe it has a place in creating and growing jobs in South Australia,” he said.

Footballers Russell Johnston, Greg Phillips and George Fiacchi holding the 1988 Thomas Seymour Hill trophy.

SGeorge Fiacchi and Fiacchi.

Mr Fiacchi, 55, pictured, is a seven-time Port Adelaide SANFL premiership winner, a Hall of Fame member and a current director of the club.

He has forged an extensive business career, including with the Australian Radio Network, and currently runs his own media management company.

Army Officer Emma Grigson-Gair on parade at the Royal Military College – Duntroon. Picture: Supplied

Ms Grigson-Gair, 36, a former member of the Army Medical Corp, served in Afghanistan in 2010 during her military career with the Australian Army.

Mr Taintey, 41, is a former state baseball player and board member of the Adelaide Bite baseball team.

HRSA chief executive Ross Neal said the trio brought an “impressive and diverse range of skills”.