INTERIM INTEGRITY CHIEF JAMIE DART FIELDS SOME STRAIGHT QUESTIONS FROM DAVID FOWLER

By Graham Potter | Monday, October 12, 2015

Defining the word integrity (in racing) is not an easy task. It can be interpreted in several ways but I think if we termed it is way ... the observing and administering of good and proper practise for the well-being of the industry ... we will be very close to the mark. Integrity’s leaders need to display strength, knowledge, consistency and transparency in their roles to achieve that definition. No easy task I grant you but really anything less is not good enough.

(David Fowler, speaking on The Press Room programme on Radio TAB this morning, when introducing the topic for his morning guest Jamie Dart, the interim head of Racing Queensland’s Integrity Department).

Quotes* of interest from Jamie Dart during his subsequent on-air exchange with David Fowler include:

With regard to Dart’s, to some, surprise appointment to the top Integrity post.

Dart: “I wasn’t shocked by it. I understand the industry was probably shocked a little bit. You have got to understand it is a temporary role I have taken on. I have been asked to stand up into that role and I’ve taken on that challenge.

On defining the essence of Dart’s role, given that it has a fairly wide brief.

Dart: “My philosophy on integrity is to uphold the rules of racing. That is a function that is critical to maintain the safety of industry participants, protecting the welfare of animals and also to maintain public confidence in the sport. If our team delivers that core function, I guess we are doing our job.”

On the damage that the on-going, high profile cobalt sagas are doing to the industry.

Dart: “Although it (cobalt) is a hot topic and there are some high profile cases in the media, I personally don’t believe cobalt is as prevalent as the public is led to believe. In Queensland we conduct more than 10 000 swab samples and the positive for prohibitive substances in that context are minute. I think if you break down the positives compared to the volume of swab samples taken the results are less than 0.3 of a precent.

On cobalt positives rulings itself, Fowler asked Dart if there were any question marks over the issue in his mind (such as an innocent vitamin feed supplement affecting the reading) ... or does he view it a clear-cut matter with no grey areas, ie if the reading is over the acceptable of level 200 micrograms per litre in urine threshold limit (in thoroughbreds), the party concerned is guilty.

Dart: “Yes (they are guilty under the rules of racing). I’m not here to blur the lines. We have been guided by professionals with all the scientific evidence behind the scenes and they have set the threshold level (which has been made clear to everybody involved). Racing Queensland is happy to catch anyone cheating or attempting to gain an unfair advantage out of the sport. I guess those thresholds ensure a level playing field for our participants and also ensure that our stakeholders then have confidence in wagering on our product.”

On the length of time it takes for some cases to be brought to a conclusion.

Dart: “How long is a piece of string? We have to go through the proper process to ensure that we get the right outcome.”

On drug use by some licensees. Dart was asked if it a developing culture in which case it would be disturbing or whether it is still more random than general.

Dart: “I think it is (a problem) across the community and we are having to live with the times. To put you in the picture we are actually changing our stance. Our stance going forward will be that you will find that these cases will now also be referred to the Queensland Police service ... when it comes to illicit drugs.

With regard to racing appeal verdicts, which statistics show, largely go come down against the racing stewards.

Dart (when asked about one particularly contentious appeal result): “Yes, I was shocked at that result. In saying that, we always respect the process of natural justice and natural justice is obviously for everyone to have their right of appeal for any decision they may field aggrieved by. Now, it is fair to say that our staff are not always happy the decisions made by the RDB, but however it is an independent body at arms-length from Racing Queensland and, as an organisation, we do respect their decisions.

David Fowler took the matter further asking: “I think some figures were quoted recently in the press. Stewards seem to lose a lot at appeal time. It comes out far in favour of the appellant rather than the stewards delivering the justice. What is wrong with the system? It has to one of two ways. Either the stewards aren’t doing their job properly or the appeals body is too lenient. It has got to be one of the two because the figures are so lopsided.

Dart: “Well you can make your decision there. I believe Brock Miller, the Chairman of the RDB has come out in the media saying that he is quite satisfied how Racing Queensland stewards are doing their role.”

Fowler also repeatedly asked Dart about the status of any current pending cases.

Dart: “I’m not going to go into particular cases. There are people’s livelihoods at stake so I’m not in a position to discuss (individual) cases or any likely prosecutions.

Fowler then spoke about the importance of transparency which he believes is essential to effective integrity. Dart was asked if he believed transparency was important.

Dart: “Very much so. I guess transparency is a fine line though between the public’s right to know and also the rights of individuals and the process that Racing Queensland needs to follow. Sometimes it is in the best interests of racing to maintain a level of confidentiality. My priorities in this role are the rights of individuals and bringing about a successful prosecution of those who set out to flaunt the rules. I can just say that we are busy with a number of inquiries and, like we have always done, we will release details at an appropriate time.”

Fowler then pushed Dart further on certain specifics.

Dart: “I’ve already stated my stance on that and I’ll be making no further comment on specific cases.”

In closing, Fowler posed one last question asking Dart, ‘you mentioned you are the interim integrity boss. Would you put your hand up for the main job when that matter is decided?’

Dart: “Time will tell. I guess it is whether I’m up to that challenge.” (Dart has only been in the job for a little over a month). “I believe, personally, that I have the passion, the experience and also the support of our amazing staff to succeed. Again though, I reiterate it is not a permanent appointment. I’ve been asked to take on that challenge and I’ve been doing just that at the moment.”

*Quotes have been carefully edited, because of length, in a manner which remains true to the original interview keeping all comments in context. In keeping with the name of this website comments extracted from the David Fowler / Jamie Dart interview has been limited to the horseracing theme.