Former Hong Kong chief steward Kim Kelly answers Queensland racing’s integrity SOS

QRIC has landed the biggest signing in its history with former Hong Kong chief steward Kim Kelly set to begin work for the embattled organisation to help it out of the doldrums.

Renowned former steward Kim Kelly has answered a SOS from Queensland’s under fire racing integrity body to help get the organisation back on track following a spate of damming reports which saw a staffing exodus.

The former Hong Kong chief steward will fill a role as the acting deputy racing integrity commissioner at the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission to help the body in the wake of two external reviews following a number of issues raised under the previous leadership.

Kelly will work alongside new commissioner, Catherine Clark, a former sports administrator, who was last employed as the chief executive officer of Paralympics Australia prior to the recent Paris Olympics.

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A recruitment process to fill Kelly’s role permanently will eventually begin.

It follows former commissioner Shane Gillard quitting his posting in June, on the eve of the Stradbroke Handicap, after racing minister Grace Grace announced KPMG would conduct a review into QRIC following complaints over the culture.

Catherine Clark will take over as commissioner at QRIC. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images for the AOC.

The ABC last month reported QRIC was facing another secret probe, with former staff making allegations of bullying, sexual harassment, suspect hiring practices and excessive expenditure.

While only in a temporary role, Kelly’s hiring is the highest profile in QRIC’s history and will be sure to have an impact on participants across Queensland.

Since retiring to as one of the most respected stewards in Hong Kong last year, Kelly has moved to Brisbane and continued his work for the Asian Racing Federation and the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities.

Current acting deputy commissioner Chantal Raine will also begin in a permanent role under the new regime.

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“Catherine Clark is an exceptional leader and brings a wealth of experience to the Commissioner role, most recently as the chief executive officer of Paralympics Australia,” Grace said.

“Chantal Raine and Kim Kelly also bring strong skills and experience to their roles.

“I want to congratulate the new appointees and wish them every success.”

Originally published as Former Hong Kong chief steward Kim Kelly answers Queensland racing’s integrity SOS