Racing Victoria appoints Brent Fisher to spearhead revamped Investigations and Intelligence Unit

Racing Victoria has bolstered a revamped investigations and intelligence unit with the appointment of a senior investigator.

Racing Victoria has revamped its investigations unit. Picture: Vince Caligiuri

Racing Victoria has appointed former harness racing integrity chief Brent Fisher to spearhead a revamped Investigations and Intelligence Unit.

The senior appointment follows an internal review and takes into consideration recommendations made earlier this year by the Racing Integrity Commissioner.

The revamped Investigations and Intelligence Unit will now incorporate the Compliance Assurance Team (CAT), which had previously reported to the chairman of stewards.

The unit will feature betting analysis, participant protection, and dispute resolution and mediation among its core functions.

RV integrity chief Jamie Stier welcomed Fisher‘s appointment.

“We are delighted to welcome a person of Brent’s experience on board to lead up our revamped Investigations and Intelligence Unit,“ Stier said.

“He brings a wealth of knowledge in racing and investigations to this critical role within our Integrity Services team.

“We are always focused on continuous improvement and ensuring that we have the right structures and people in place to best maintain the integrity of Victorian racing.

“This structural change and some additional future appointments within the Investigations and Intelligence Unit are an important enhancement to our non-race integrity functions.”

Racing Integrity Commissioner Sean Carroll in June raised concerns about RV’s “inspection and investigation capability and capacity” as part of a 16-page report into the bungled prosecution of a Cranbourne trainer.

“Based on my observations throughout this Inquiry and during numerous race and non-race day interactions with RV stewards over the last two months,” Carroll said at the time.

“RV has significant competence, expertise and capability in the performance of equine and race day integrity functions.

“However, I also consider that the role of Chief Steward, by its nature and breadth, may inhibit the effective oversight and management of the CAT (Compliance Assurance Team).”

Fisher, a former Victoria Police Detective, will join RV officially in January.

Originally published as Racing Victoria appoints Brent Fisher to spearhead revamped Investigations and Intelligence Unit