Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) has strengthened its Integrity Unit with two new additions.
Former Victoria Police sergeant John O’Halloran (pictured) and New South Wales steward Jesse Rando have joined HRV.
O’Halloran is HRV’s new Investigation and Compliance Manager, while Rando joins the stewards’ panel.
O’Halloran’s background positions him perfectly to oversee such an important area as investigations and compliance, having spent the majority of his policing career as a detective in suburban Crime Investigation Units and within the Victoria Police Crime Department.
The former police officer has also been employed in investigation and compliance roles within Corrections Victoria, Consumer Affairs Victoria, and the Victorian Building Commission. Most recently O’Halloran held the position of Manager – Investigations at the Office of the Racing Integrity Commissioner (ORIC).
“Having experienced firsthand the dramatic impact issues such as race fixing and the administration of prohibited substances can have on the integrity of the Victorian racing industry, the driving force behind my move to HRV from the ORIC was to be at the forefront of integrity compliance and assurance and in a position where I can have a direct impact on integrity outcomes,” Mr O’Halloran said.
“I have great respect for the HRV Integrity Unit, their leadership under Brent Fisher and the team’s individual skills and attributes. I look forward to working with such a professional group.
“I’m also looking forward to working side by side with the fantastic group of stewards led by Brett Day and the welfare team, all of whom are striving to make HRV a leader in the integrity landscape.”
During his time at the ORIC, Mr O’Halloran conducted several major investigations that have resulted in a number of integrity reforms across the three racing codes.
“Importantly, I have established many strong working relationships with industry participants and racing bodies who have been an invaluable asset to me in my role and who I am sure I will maintain those same relationships with in my move to HRV,” he said.
“Ultimately the goal of the Integrity Unit at HRV is to ensure that every standardbred driver, owner, punter and participant can trust that they are competing on a level playing field and the focus of my efforts when joining HRV will be to ensure that this remains the standard.”
HRV General Manager – Integrity Brent Fisher welcomed the new additions to the team.
“We’re pleased to have John and Jesse joining the team. Jesse comes from a strong harness racing family and has a great background in the sport. He has decided Victoria will give him the best opportunity to enhance his skillset,” Mr Fisher said.
“John is someone who I have a lot of respect for and he’s a fantastic signing for HRV. I’m looking forward to working closely with him.
“HRV has been at the forefront of investigations in recent years and under John’s leadership I’m sure that will continue.”
