Page 13: Neigh-sayers not happy with ‘toxic culture’ at Equestrian Vic

With an alleged sex scandal pending in court, two chairmen leaving and the Governor distancing herself, to say Equestrian Victoria is in a shambles is putting it mildly.

Picture: AFP

Two weeks ago, Page 13 revealed Government House backed the wrong horse in conferring vice-regal patronage on Equestrian Victoria.

This week, Government House confirmed the Guv has withdrawn her patronage at the request from the board of Equestrian Victoria.

“The Board of Equestrian Victoria requested the Governor to withdraw her patronage of the organisation, apologising to the Governor at the same time,” a Government House spokeswoman told Page 13.

An email from Equestrian Victoria CEO Matthew Brown was sent to members outlining the sudden turnaround.

“Since the announcement of the Governor’s patronage, the Governor and her office have, through no fault of theirs, been drawn into public controversy related to a matter currently before the courts.

“Out of respect for the Governor’s role in our State, the Board of Equestrian Victoria has decided that the appropriate course at this point is to request that the Governor withdraw her patronage,” says the email.

“The Office of the Governor has agreed to this request. The Board of Equestrian Victoria apologises to the Governor for any embarrassment this situation may have caused.

“Our organisation’s immediate focus is the review of our policies and processes and supporting all equestrians to live their equestrian dream.”

Simply put, this horse ran off the course.

With two chairmen leaving in the past six months and other directors resigning, to say the board of Equestrian Victoria is in a shambles is putting it mildly.

The neigh-sayers are not happy at what they call a “toxic culture” steeped in “exclusivity” and “branch stacking.”

Members including high-profile rider and former Hawks premiership captain Don Scott, were concerned that the board’s inserted deputy chair Peter Lee was a horse-shoo-in to become chairman.

Letters were sent to the board pointing to Lee’s association and professional dealings with Diamond Joe Gutnick.

Gutnick’s company, Merlin Diamonds, where Lee worked until January 2019, was wound up by the corporate watchdog last year following its investigation into more than $13 million in loans to companies linked with the formerly bankrupt businessman.

As one letter seen by Page 13 put it “the public and member perception of Equestrian Victoria is currently very low. I would encourage you all to consider this in choosing a Chair that will both represent member’s interests and help restore confidence in the governance of our sport.”

But ultimately it was member favourite Christie Freeman who ended up taking the reins as chair.

Sighs of relief at Government House must also be echoed at Buckingham Palace, which was alerted to the fiasco.

Embarrassed members of the horsey set are wondering what came first, the horse or the cart.