Racing Clubs Tasmania chair Andrew Scanlon demands Murrihy Review be released in letter to Felix Ellis

An explosive letter sent by Racing Clubs Tasmania chair Andrew Scanlon to Felix Ellis has called for the Murrihy Review to be released to the public.

Ray Murrihy. Pic Jenny Evans

The state’s racing codes have called on the government to release the Murrihy review’s final report to ensure confidence in the industry.

The former Racing NSW chief steward was appointed by then-Racing Minister Madeleine Ogilvie in April to hold an inquiry into allegations of team driving, race fixing and animal welfare concerns in the Tasmanian harness racing industry and the management of those issues by the Office of Racing Integrity.

An interim report made public in September labelled the rules governing Tasmania’s racing industry as “deficient” and has suggested that “a small percentage” of race winnings could be set aside to fund a humane rehoming program for retired horses.

The final report was handed to the state government in November.

In a letter obtained by the Mercury, Racing Clubs Tasmania chair Andrew Scanlon wrote to Racing Minister Felix Ellis to express disappointment that the industry did not have input in to the review.

Ray Murrihy at the stewards conference in Launceston TAS RACING

“As a follow up to our meeting in Campbell Town on the 23rd of October 2023 and the subsequent telephone conversation between yourself and our CEO, Brendan Blomeley, on the 7th of December 2023, we write requesting the immediate public release of the Murrihy Report,” he wrote.

“As expressed during our October meeting, the industry is of the view that such a report would have benefited from direct industry input and not having this opportunity is regrettable. “Equally disappointing is the delay with the release of the report, which has provided an unnecessary distraction to the industry as we enter the Summer Racing Carnival.”

Mr Murrihy received 44 submissions and conducted more than 50 interviews, along with examining betting records, reviewing extensive race footage and undertaking site visits in the course of his inquiry.

The letter also called on the minister to promptly appoint a new racing integrity chief — after nine directors in the Office of Racing Integrity in seven years.

“There is also an urgent need to appoint a suitably qualified Tasmanian Racing Integrity Commissioner.

“As discussed during our October meeting, relevant expertise, and appreciation of the nuances of the Racing Industry, are important prerequisites and, in our view, industry involvement in this process would be of benefit,” the letter said.

Labor racing spokesperson Dean Winter said on Wednesday the Murrihy Review needed to be released.

“Tasmanian racing clubs have told the minister for racing, in no uncertain terms, that they want to see a review,” Mr Winter said.

“They understand how important it is … because they know that we need to learn from what happened in the past so we can make improvements and grow racing to be bigger and better than ever.

“Today’s Devonport Cup is one of the biggest race days in the state, and we still have the uncertainty of the unseen Murrihy Review hanging over the heads of the entire industry.”

While he did not provide a specific timeline of when the review would be out, Racing Minister Felix Ellis said the government would be working on it over the next few weeks.

“There are complex and serious allegations which the community is aware of,” Mr Ellis said.

“We’re working through the response, and the government will release its response at the same time as the report, but the community can expect it very soon.

“The community can have confidence that we’re absolutely committed in terms of delivering a racing industry that is fair, humane and safe.”