Champion trainer Tony Gollan says Queensland racing’s three-code model isn’t working

Champion trainer Tony Gollan has gone on the front foot as a passionate advocate for changing the way that the three codes of racing are administered in Queensland.

Top trainer Tony Gollan insists Queensland must get rid of its current three-codes model of racing. Picture: Grant Peters/Trackside Photography

Champion trainer Tony Gollan insists the new Queensland Government must blow up the current three-code model which administers racing in the Sunshine State.

Currently, outgoing Racing Queensland chief executive Jason Scott has responsibility for thoroughbreds, greyhounds and harness racing which all fall under the RQ umbrella.

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Scott has announced his resignation and Gollan, the 11-time champion Brisbane trainer, feels the David Crisafulli state government which was elected last October must adopt a new racing model.

“The biggest issue we have in Queensland at the moment is the three-code model and I think each code would prefer to have their own CEO,” Gollan told Racenet.

“As far as thoroughbreds go, we want to try to keep within sight of NSW and Victoria.

“We are coming into a very challenging period, with the wagering downturn, we need someone who is laser-focused on the needs of thoroughbred racing.”

Scott, who is highly regarded for the job he has done, will remain in the role until a replacement is found.

Racing Queensland chief Jason Scott recently announced his resignation. Picture: Richard Walker

It is understood several potential candidates for Scott’s job – and for high-ranking positions in Racing Queensland – have been deterred by the position having wide-ranging responsibility for three codes rather than a single and driven focus on thoroughbreds.

One issue with disbanding the current three-code model would be greater costs as there are cost efficiencies in having all three codes under a single banner.

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But Gollan feels the current responsibilities of looking after the specific and individual issues of all three racing codes would wear anyone down.

Gollan rarely weighs into political/racing administration issues but feels passionately that thoroughbred racing in Queensland needs a specific and laser-focused chief executive.

“I am all for some co-mingling resources and having some back of office stuff united,” Gollan said.

“But when you are looking for a CEO, the current system is a disincentive.

“They (the CEO) will be trying to do something in one code and then there’s another problem somewhere else and they will keep being distracted.

“I think it would wear anyone down.

“Each code has their own challenges in their own way and that is very intricate to each code.

“We need someone who is CEO who is not political, because obviously it’s too political racing up here in Queensland.”

Tony Gollan says each racing code has it own challenges. Picture: Getty Images

There 112 thoroughbred racing clubs and 110 thoroughbred venues in Queensland which is generally viewed as being too many, despite the vast expanses of Queensland.

Gollan, who started his training career in regional Toowoomba, is supportive of regional, country and bush racing.

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But he expects the number of race clubs in Queensland to naturally diminish over time.

“I am all for country racing, but in terms of the rationalisation of racetracks and race clubs, I think it is inevitable,” Gollan said.

“But just to what degree, I’m not sure, I think everyone has got to be a part of the journey.

“I would hate to say we have got to get rid of this or that, it can be a poisonous thing.

“There are elements of rationalism that happen in every industry and it will happen in ours over time too.”

The Queensland Government has committed to undertaking a review of racing in Queensland and more details will be known in coming weeks.

Originally published as Champion trainer Tony Gollan says Queensland racing’s three-code model isn’t working