VRC chairman Amanda Elliott challenged over lavish expenses
Members of the Victoria Racing Club have questioned the spending of chairman Amanda Elliott, including a $100,000 lunch in London and the use of a luxury Lexus vehicle.
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The Victoria Racing Club has defended its “international strategy” as almost 100 members have formally questioned chairman Amanda Elliott’s expenses, as well as a London lunch which is claimed to have cost $100,000.
Members have signed a letter demanding answers over Mrs Elliott’s spending, referring to “at least four trips to Britain” and questioning why she has the use of a Lexus vehicle normally reserved for senior executives.
The letter was served on Australia’s most powerful and prestigious racing club this week as nine candidates – including Mrs Elliott – vie for three positions on its board.
The club executive says its international strategy remains “a key pillar of the club’s future vision which has been endorsed by the full board”.
The club said commitment to a global presence “continues to deliver considerable value to the VRC and its stakeholders through media, wagering and international visitation to Melbourne and the Melbourne Cup carnival”.
“The global and brand awareness of the VRC forms an important part of the value proposition put forward to Government and partners,” it said.
“All international activity is conducted in line with this strategy, and within a board-approved budget.”
The letter had raised questions regarding the cost of a VRC lunch in London to promote the Melbourne Cup before the Royal Ascot racing carnival in June.
The event was held at the ritzy Spring Restaurant, at Somerset House near Waterloo Bridge, and was attended by 100 members of international racing’s royalty.
Guests included Gai Waterhouse, Dermot Weld, the Irish trainer of Melbourne Cup winners Vintage Crop and Media Puzzle, and English heavyweight John Gosden, who has won 3000 races worldwide.
“The alleged cost of lunch is approximately $100,000,” the letter said.
“What was the total cost to the VRC of this lunch, inclusive of any contribution the club made to the travel and accommodation costs of VRC representatives (excluding Mrs Elliott) and invited guests?
“What was the commercial purpose of the lunch (particularly given that the profile of the VRC and the Melbourne Cup Carnival has been well established in England for several decades now)?
“What has been the cost to the VRC in calendar year 2019 of Mrs Elliott’s travel and accommodation?”
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On the issue of Mrs Elliot’s use of a Lexus, the club said: “The VRC has a long history of successful principal partnerships.
“As part of the sponsorship arrangement, approved by the board, Lexus provides a number of loan vehicles for use by the club.”
It comes as the club’s online and postal vote on board positions enters it second week, ahead of what looms as a fiery annual general meeting on December 18.