RACING SOUTH AUSTRALIA CHAIRMAN TRIES TO POUR WATER ON THE OAKBANK / JUMPS RACING FIREFIGHT

By Graham Potter | Friday, February 11, 2022

Rob Rorrison, the Chairman of Racing South Australia, is at pains to point out that Racing SA’s decision to stop programming jumps racing in the state had absolutely nothing to do with anyone involved with the Oakbank Racing Club, as legal action continues against the Club with regard to the way the matter played out.

A group of litigants is continuing legal action against the Oakbank Racing Club, putting forward the argument that Oakbank had been in collusion with Racing SA and had not consulting its members on the situation as it evolved … and also that the Oakbank committee had blocked calls for a Special General Meeting and rejected further membership applications.

Racenet has reported that the group has taken the action in the Supreme Court wanting the Oakbank committee to be sacked.

“We‘ve been very clear that Oakbank Racing Club was never in a position to consult with their members prior to us making that decision. Our decision was no jumps racing in South Australia – it was not an Oakbank decision,” emphasised Rorrison, speaking to racenet.”

“Rorrison also commented on the effect any possible Supreme Court ruling in favour of the litigants might have on the prospects for jumps racing in the state moving forward.

“At the end of the day, the decision is made, it’s not reversible, it was unanimous. It’s based on facts and data about the viability of the industry. The industry knew it was under scrutiny and knew what its KPIs were. When we had a look back, it’s hard not to reach the conclusion that it was more of a protected industry historically, than a viable one.”

Rorrison reiterated the fact that even if the club were united and presented a formal opposition to the move, nothing would have changed.

It has been further reported that the Oakbank Committee, members and staff have all been adversely impacted by the unpleasant circumstances currently in play.

Oakbank’s CEO Shane Collins resigned on Wednesday.

“It‘s unfortunate that these people are being vilified for a decision that they didn’t make,” said Rorrison.

“The jumps fraternity wants jumps racing, I understand that. I don‘t enjoy disenfranchising them but it’s just not a viable industry in South Australia.”