Chief steward Terry Bailey coy on future but concedes rumours rife

RACING Victoria chief steward Terry Bailey on Saturday wouldn’t be drawn on speculation he could walk away from his position to take up a role in Singapore.

Katelyn Mallyon and Gaye Waterhouse with Sirmione at the Festival of Racing Launch at The Common Lawn at South Wharf on February 07, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Reg Ryan/Racing Photos)

RACING Victoria chief steward Terry Bailey on Saturday wouldn’t be drawn on speculation he could walk away from his position to take up a role in Singapore.

Bailey, who operated at Saturday’s Flemington meeting, preferred not to comment when approached by the Sunday Herald Sun.

While he conceded the rumours had been rife since earlier this year, he denied he had formally tended his resignation to Racing Victoria.

“I’ve got no comment on that,” Bailey said. “As far as I’m concerned, it’s my business.”

Racing Victoria declined to comment when approached on Saturday, with chief executive Giles Thompson unable to be contacted.

Terry Bailey has been the Racing Victoria chief steward for a decade.

Bailey has been in the role for a decade after taking over from Des Gleeson, and has rarely been away from the headlines during that time.

He revealed in 2015 he had received death threats after his shots were fired into his Melbourne home, with the chief steward refusing to be intimidated.

Bailey and the integrity team played a significant role in the long-running cobalt saga, while also being central to the Aquanita scandal that rocked racing and led to a number of high-profile racing identities banned, including leading trainer Robert Smerdon.

He was also at the centre of a feud with Danny Nikolic with allegations the jockey had threatened him, resulting in him being declared “not a fit and proper person” to ride in this state.

Katelyn Mallyon and Gai Waterhouse with Sirmione at this year’s launch for the Festival of Racing at South Wharf in February.

KATELYN CALLS IT A DAY

GROUP 1-winning jockey Katelyn Mallyon announced her retirement from riding in a statement on Twitter late on Saturday.

“After my recent break from riding, which allowed me to experience life away from the demands of being a jockey, I’ve decided that it’s time to retire as a jockey and embrace the next stage of my life,” Mallyon said.

“I’ve had an incredible journey in the saddle for which I feel extremely privileged.

“From a little girl with incredible dreams, to now retiring as a Group 1 winner, it has been an unbelievable journey that I wouldn’t change for the world.”

Congratulations @katelynmallyon on a fantastic career! You have forever etched your name in our history #Group1superstar 🌟 pic.twitter.com/xL1HOBnr4U

— TheValley Racecourse (@TheValley) June 9, 2018

Mallyon relocated to Sydney at the start of the year to be with her partner, jockey James McDonald. Her career highlights include winning last year’s Group 1 William Reid Stakes aboard Silent Sedition at Moonee Valley.

“I look forward to continuing on in this wonderful industry through my work in the media,” she said.

Katelyn Mallyon and Silent Sedition (rails) take out the Group 1 William Reid Stakes. Picture: Getty Images