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Chief Steward Dismissed – Racing Reforms Deliver
Since November 2024, Tasmania’s racing industry has undergone its most significant transformation in decades. The appointment of Sean Carroll as the state’s first Racing Integrity Commissioner marked a watershed moment—bringing extensive powers to set integrity and animal welfare standards across all three racing codes and comprehensive investigatory functions into accountability.
Following a thorough investigation, Tasracing has dismissed its Thoroughbred Chief Steward for misconduct. The dismissal represents the first major enforcement action under the new integrity framework and sends an unambiguous message – those entrusted to oversee and govern the industry must demonstrate the high standards expected of them, regardless of their position.
The Commissioner has acknowledged that while the conduct is disappointing, he is satisfied with how Tasracing managed the situation—standing down the Chief Steward during the investigation and taking decisive action once it was completed.
Media release – Sean Carroll, Tasmanian Racing Integrity Commissioner, 14 October 2025
Tasracing Thoroughbred Chief Steward Dismissed
The Tasmanian Racing Integrity Commissioner has been advised by Tasracing that it has dismissed the Thoroughbred Chief Steward for misconduct.
The Commissioner acknowledges that while the conduct of the former Thoroughbred Chief Steward is disappointing, he is satisfied with the manner in which Tasracing has managed the situation since becoming aware of the allegations. This includes, Tasracing standing down the Thoroughbred Chief Steward until the investigation into the matter was completed and the matter resolved.
Tasmanian Racing Integrity Commissioner, Sean Carroll said, “As I have previously remarked, the Tasmanian racing industry has entered a new era where the highest benchmark of integrity will be the foundation of the industry’s future success
“It is essential that those entrusted to oversee and govern the industry, as well as participants, demonstrate these high standards and that where these standards fall short, action will be taken.”
Media release – Sean Carroll, Tasmanian Racing Integrity Commissioner, 3 October 2025
First meeting of the Greyhound Racing Transition Working Group
Following the Tasmanian Government’s announcement to phase out greyhound racing by 30 June 2029, the Tasmanian Racing Integrity Commissioner is pleased to announce the appointment of the Greyhound Racing Transition Working Group members.
The Commissioner has been requested by the Premier and the Minister for Racing to develop a comprehensive plan to deliver all operational, animal welfare and integrity components of this transition.
This Greyhound Racing Transition Working Group will ensure a smooth transition and to assist the Commissioner in the process. The Commissioner’s appointments include esteemed member of the Tasmanian community, Alison Jarman, Andrea Dawkins, CEO of RSPCA Tasmania and Dr Kate Savage, veterinary specialist and independent advisor to the Commissioner.
The first meeting of the working group was held on 1 October 2025, and focused on the scope of the working group, results of the recent Tasracing audit of greyhounds in Tasmania, participant wellbeing and support throughout the transition and beyond, animal welfare considerations, and the timelines through to 30 June 2029.
A copy of the communique from the meeting has been published on the Tasmanian Racing Integrity Commissioner’s website.
While invitations have also been extended to members of the greyhound racing community, including each of the greyhound racing clubs, all invitations have been declined. These invitations remain open, with the Commissioner committed to ensuring the perspective and voice of the greyhound racing community is involved in this process, and the working group and so will continue to explore avenues to ensure their participation in this transition.
“I acknowledge that these reforms will have a significant impact on the greyhound industry, their families and their communities.
“The working group is critical to ensuring that the transition considers, and resolves matters that are of critical importance to the greyhound racing industry, animal welfare groups and the Tasmanian community.
“It will do so respectfully and constructively, ensuring balanced outcomes are achieved for all,” Tasmanian Racing Integrity Commissioner Sean Carroll said.
Any person with a particular concern or query regarding the greyhound racing transition are encouraged to submit their questions to the dedicated web page on the Tasmanian Racing Integrity Commissioner’s website.
Tasracing also provides support via an employee assistance program for participants of the greyhound racing industry. Further information is available on the Tasracing website.
Weona Park Stud Inspections
The Tasmanian Racing Integrity Commissioner, Sean Carroll has recently become aware of several complaints regarding the welfare of horses and management of Weona Park Stud.
Commencing Monday, 22 September 2025, the Commissioner coordinated multi organisational inspections by Tasracing, RSPCA and Biosecurity Tasmania of all properties accommodating horses managed by Weona Park Stud.
Fiona Methorst, owner and operator of Weona Park Stud has fully cooperated and assisted with these inspections and is continuing to work with each of these agencies to ensure that the horses are fully supported from an animal welfare perspective.
While the issue of overstocking is visibly evident, each of the agencies are satisfied that, following veterinary examinations of all horses at the Weona Park Stud properties, there are no horses that required urgent veterinarian attention. There is sufficient feed and water for all horses at all properties.
Methorst and the agencies have identified approximately 100 horses for rehoming, given there are concerns of overstocking at some of the properties. Over the coming days, Tasracing and the Commissioner will assist Methorst in moving these horses to temporary accommodation, while Methorst arranges more permanent accommodation, via adoption or sale.
Persons interested in acquiring a horse from Weona Park Stud, are requested to register their interest by contacting RSPCA Tasmania.
Any further action will be a decision for each relevant authority.
The Commissioner acknowledges that there has been significant public concern and commentary regarding Weona Park Stud and the condition of the horses. The Commissioner respectfully asks that if participants or members of the community have any concerns regarding integrity in racing or animal welfare, that these matters be raised directly with his office so that they can be actioned in a constructive and respectful matter – without abuse or harassment towards individuals.
“Since my commencement as the Tasmanian Racing Integrity Commissioner, animal welfare has been, and will continue to be, a priority for my office, however, so too is the wellbeing and care for participants,” said Tasmanian Racing Integrity Commissioner, Sean Carroll
“I must be clear that as an industry, any form of harassment, abuse or anti-social behaviour will not be accepted or tolerated, whether that abuse be directed online towards participants, staff or members of the community.
“Any concerns regarding inappropriate conduct will also be dealt with by my office and reported to Tasracing and other authorities as required.”
Any questions from the public can be directed to the office of the Tasmanian Racing Integrity Commissioner by email to enquiries@racingintegrity.tas.gov.au.
Tasmanian Racing Integrity Commissioner completes Tasracing stewards investigation
The Tasmanian Racing Integrity Commissioner has announced the completion of two separate investigations into the conduct of stipendiary stewards engaged by Tasracing, at the request of Tasracing.
These requests were made pursuant to the Commissioner’s functions under the Racing Regulation and Integrity Act 2025 (the Act). Under the Act, stewards employed by the Office of Racing Integrity (ORI) transitioned across to Tasracing on 1 February 2025.
Investigation into wagering activity
On 27 March 2025, Tasracing requested that the Commissioner undertake an audit of wagering activity by stipendiary stewards employed by Tasracing.
The office of the Commissioner conducted an audit for the period 1 January 2023 to 30 June 2025 and was subsequently requested by Tasracing to conduct an investigation into the audit findings.
The Commissioner’s investigation into wagering activity by Tasracing stewards identified that five (5) stewards (one (1) full-time and four (4) casual stewards) had placed wagers during their employment at the Office of Racing Integrity (ORI) and/or Tasracing as stewards.
The majority of the wagering activity occurred while each steward was employed at ORI.
Only one instance has been identified since the stewards transitioned to Tasracing, with one steward wagering on 24 February 2025.
The Commissioner has found that there is no evidence of criminal conduct, breaches of law, collusion, race fixing or money laundering. While this finding has been made, the Commissioner recognises that wagering on races by stewards has the potential to compromise confidence in the integrity of racing and that any form wagering by stewards must be treated seriously.
The Commissioner is also satisfied that there was sufficient evidence available to make a finding that all five (5) stewards breached the Racing Stewards’ Code of Conduct.
During the investigation, two (2) stewards subsequently resigned from Tasracing.
The wagering audit and subsequent investigation found:
One (1) steward placed 49 bets on harness and thoroughbred racing, totalling $1,410.00 with a net profit of $103.10. Out of the 49 bets, 24 of these bets coincided with 11 race meetings where the steward was officiating. In certain instances, stewards’ inquiries were held into these races, and the steward participated as a panel member. The investigation found no evidence that the wagering activity influenced the outcome of any inquiry.
One (1) steward placed 162 bets, totalling $273.28, with a net loss of $244.08. Out of these bets, 25 of them coincided with races at four (4) greyhound meetings where the steward was officiating for ORI. The steward was not involved in any inquiries on any races where wagering occurred.
In respect of the other three (3) stewards, no wagering activity occurred while officiating as a steward for either ORI or Tasracing.
Any further comments can be directed to Tasracing.
Investigation into allegations of misconduct by stipendiary steward
In a separate matter, on 20 April 2025, Tasracing referred allegations relating to potential impropriety by a stipendiary steward employed by Tasracing to the Commissioner.
The referral concerned allegations of misconduct spanning a seven-year period. The allegations do not traverse matters previously investigated by other enquiries.
The Commissioner’s investigation has concluded and the Commissioner is satisfied that there was sufficient evidence available to make findings of serious and minor breaches of codes and policies, as well as matters constituting serious misconduct.
Given the potential for further investigation or proceedings, the Commissioner will not be releasing any findings at this stage.
Any further comments can be directed to Tasracing.
Recommendations to Tasracing
The Commissioner has issued a series of recommendations to Tasracing, in accordance with the Act, following the conclusion of these investigations.
These recommendations require that Tasracing:
- consider the findings in respect of each steward and any disciplinary action required;
- review and update its codes and policies to provide clear direction on wagering, conflict of interests and other matters by all Tasracing employees, including stewards, contractors, board members and volunteers;
- develop and implement a detailed education on its codes and policies, with ongoing training and education provided; and
- conduct an immediate briefing of all stewards on the Racing Stewards’ Code of Conduct and the rules of racing (focusing on the obligations directly related to stewards).
These recommendations are designed to strengthen racing’s integrity functions, processes and systems and provide greater assurance to industry participants and the wider public about the transparency and accountability of stewarding in Tasmania.
Tasmanian Racing Integrity Commissioner, Sean Carroll said “I would like to commend Tasracing for requesting that my office conduct these investigations. Allegations concerning the conduct of stewards have been longstanding and have continued to negatively impact the reputation of the Tasmanian racing industry.
“Tasmanian racing has now entered a new era where the highest benchmark of integrity will be the foundation of the industry’s future success.
“Regardless of whether you are a steward, racing participant or owner, it is clear that the new reforms are delivering the highest standards of integrity and animal welfare and that where these standards are falling short, action will be taken.”
Media release – Jane Howlett, Minister for Racing, 19 November 2024
Inaugural Racing Integrity Commissioner appointed
The Tasmanian Government’s racing reforms have taken a significant step forward with the appointment of the state’s first Tasmanian Racing Integrity Commissioner.
Experienced racing and sports integrity leader Sean Carroll has been appointed to the position.
Minister for Racing, Jane Howlett, said Mr Carroll brings with him a strong record of industry engagement and integrity enforcement.
“We are very pleased to appoint Mr Carroll to this role, which is central to delivering on our commitment to introduce a racing framework based on best practice,” Howlett said.
“The reforms, which were passed into legislation in September, will deliver a contemporary, effective, and fit for purpose model for regulation and integrity.
“Carroll will have extensive powers to set integrity and animal welfare standards and comprehensive investigatory functions across all three codes of racing in Tasmania – harness, thoroughbred, and greyhound.”
Carroll has been the Victorian Racing Integrity Commissioner since March 2021 where he conducted an independent review into the Victorian Racing Industry Victim Support and Complaint Processes.
Before being appointed Commissioner, Carroll was the Head of Integrity and Security at Cricket Australia where he developed and implemented an integrity framework.
Carroll said he was looking forward to taking on the new role.
“The opportunity to shape and deliver the largest integrity reforms in decades through the Racing Regulation and Integrity Bill is one I welcome.
“This model is based on evidence and industry best practice, and I am look forward to my role in its implementation.
“Getting out and meeting with participants and industry across all the codes and gaining a better understanding of their needs and challenges will be my key focus.”
Howlett said the legislative changes will come into effect on 1 February 2025, when the legislation is proclaimed.
She said on that date, TasRacing will become operationally responsible for all three codes of racing, including pre-race day and race day management, stewards and animal welfare.
“We will always back the racing industry because it supports families and jobs in rural and regional communities, generates close to $208 million in economic activity per year, and involves more than 6,400 people across Tasmania,” Howlett said.
“Racing is a big part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future, and we are getting on with the job of delivering that Plan.”
Media release – Andrea Dawkins, Chief Executive Officer, RSPCA Tasmania, 19 November 2024
RSPCA Tasmania welcomes the appointment of Sean Carroll as the inaugural Racing Integrity Commissioner
“RSPCA Tasmania welcomes Mr Carroll’s appointment as Tasmania’s first Racing Integrity Commissioner understanding that his experience stands him in excellent stead to provide the independence and oversight necessary to bring transparency and integrity to racing.
RSPCA Tasmania particularly welcomes the Commissioner’s extensive powers to set animal welfare standards and conduct thorough investigations. Carroll has already expressed his intention to engage directly with industry participants and stakeholders to understand their needs and challenges—a collaborative approach we wholeheartedly support.
RSPCA Tasmania is committed to advocating for the highest standards of animal welfare. We are optimistic that Carroll’s appointment and the broader reforms will contribute to a more transparent, ethical, and animal welfare-focused racing sector.
RSPCA Tasmania looks forward to engaging with Carroll and the broader industry as these reforms are implemented, ensuring that the welfare of racing animals remains a priority.”
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