QRIC backflips on plan to cut vets and sample collection officers on race days

Queensland’s integrity body has been forced into a reversal on an “unacceptable” race-day move after resistance from industry stakeholders.

The number of vets and swab collection officers on race days in Queensland won’t change. Picture: Trackside Photography

Furious industry backlash and opposition from stewards has forced the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission into a dramatic backflip on its plans to slash the number of vets and sample collection officers on race days.

QRIC had planned to cut the number of vets and sample collection officers from two to one on race days, in an apparent bid to save costs.

Sample collection officers (swabbies) are required to collect and securely package urine and blood samples from horses, for the purpose of analysis on behalf of QRIC.

But savage industry backlash has led to a sudden change of heart.

It is also understood Queensland stewards were angry about the plan and did not support it.

The Queensland Thoroughbred Alliance (trainers, jockeys and breeders) said common sense has now prevailed.

On Sunday, QTA spokesman Cameron Partington had told Racenet: “The recent announcement by QRIC to reduce race-day vets and sampling officers, citing budget constraints, is totally unacceptable to our industry.

“The welfare of our people and animals, along with the perceived and actual integrity of our racing, are both areas of concern that are beyond compromise.”

It is understood QRIC deputy commissioner Natalie Conner was the QRIC official who had oversight of the initial plan to reduce by half the numbers of vets and “swabbies” on race days.

Originally published as QRIC backflips on plan to cut vets and sample collection officers on race days