Media release – Office of Racing Integrity, 5 September 2023
Decision of the Director of Racing – Revocation of Thoroughbred Trainer’s licence – Mr Scott Brunton
Following an assessment in respect to Mr Scott Brunton’s suitability to remain licensed under the Rules of Racing (AR), the Director of Racing, acting under AR 13 has made the determination to revoke Mr Brunton’s Trainer (A) licence.
The assessment and licence revocation follows a decision of the Federal Court on 11 August 2023 to order the liquidation of Brunton Racing Pty Ltd. Prior to the order, Mr Brunton was the sole director of the company.
The revocation will be effective 8 September 2023, allowing Mr Brunton time to make arrangements in relation to horses under his control.
Statement – Kristie Johnston MP, 5 September 2023
Office of Racing Integrity Acts… Finally
I have been making the case for some time that the racing industry, across all three codes, has lost its social licence and the confidence of the Tasmanian people.
Today we see that the Office of Racing Integrity (ORI) has finally done its job, and stripped the licence from leading trainer, Scott Brunton.
Months ago I alerted the racing minister to the fact that Scott Brunton was allowed to train horses when he was clearly in financial difficulty and therefore not a fit and proper person to hold a licence.
Although the Office of Racing Integrity knew of the financial problems at Brunton’s stables over a year ago, it has taken to now for it to act in the wake of a winding up order by the Tax Office for unpaid tax of approximately $1million.
ORI has been asleep at the wheel and appears only to act when called out in the media. Of course I welcome ORI’s action – better late than never – but it is obvious that Tasracing and ORI are just putting out spot fires across all codes. Clearly, the economic commodification of animals by the racing industry is not something that fits comfortably with Tasmanians.
Alternative arrangements will need to be found for the 100 horses at Brunton’s Seven Mile Beach stables, and I do have concerns for their welfare.
