Trainers’ boss Cameron Partington resigns after relationship with Racing Queensland became unworkable

The top official in the Queensland branch of the Australian Trainers’ Association has resigned and it has caused turmoil in the relationship between trainers and Racing Queensland.

The relationship between Queensland trainers and racing’s governing body in the Sunshine State is in turmoil after the shock resignation of long-serving Trainers’ Association boss Cameron Partington.

Trainers including champions Tony Gollan and Rob Heathcote have rallied behind Partington after he quit as the head of the Queensland branch of the Australian Trainers’ Association, insisting the relationship with Racing Queensland had become unworkable.

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Partington announced his resignation, claiming that RQ no longer wanted to deal with the ATA, and ATA regional executive Tony Fenlon also resigned.

“The current RQ Racing Team have made it very clear over recent months that, in their opinion, the ATA is a detrimental, and often negative influence that impacts their ability to effectively manage the statewide racing operations,” Partington said.

“They have advised us that our communication to members and industry was often unnecessary, and furthermore, on occasions, derogatory towards them.

“They also suggested the ATA interfere too often in matters that didn’t concern us.

“The current RQ leadership team appeared today to clearly feel more committed to listening to the complaints from staff within their racing team about the ATA, than to constructively discuss where the root of the problem, in my personal opinion, lies.”

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Elite trainers Tony Gollan and Rob Heathcote, both multiple Group 1 winners, went into bat for Partington.

“Cameron is a representative of a broad range of trainers and Racing Queensland’s handling of him has been a disgrace,” Gollan said.

“For them to say they don’t want to deal with him, it’s basically saying they don’t want to deal with trainers.”

Cameron Partington (right), with former trainer Les Ross, has resigned as the boss of the Queensland branch of the Australian Trainers’ Association. Picture: Glenn Hunt/The Australian

Heathcote said: “It’s a shame that the relationship with Racing Queensland has soured and hopefully the current Racing Review can mend some bridges.

“Cam will be a big loss for his tireless efforts for Queensland trainers, fighting for what we believe is right.”

Industry veteran Basil Nolan, the president of Thoroughbred Breeders Queensland, said: “Cam is the go-between for everything between the trainers and the industry and Racing Queensland and I feel he has been treated poorly.”

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Racing Queensland acting chief executive Lachlan Murray told Racenet: “Over the past 15 years, Cameron has been a passionate advocate for the ATA and for advancing the Queensland racing industry. His deep knowledge of racing and enthusiasm is unquestionable and he’ll be sorely missed.

“We’re disappointed he believes it has come to this, but we respect his decision.

“The industry benefits when there is a constructive working relationship between RQ and its industry bodies and we will work positively with the ATA to achieve that outcome.

“I will absolutely prioritise enhancing relationships between trainers and RQ.”

Australian Trainers’ Association national chief executive Stephen Bell said: “The ATA is still dealing with the shock of this situation, considering the importance and significant impact on both our members and the Queensland racing industry.

“We are currently in negotiations with Cameron and Tony about their decisions, hoping to see a change here, and will in due course meet with RQ to discuss our position going forward.”

Originally published as Trainers’ boss Cameron Partington resigns after relationship with Racing Queensland became unworkable