Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) has today announced the appointment of two new senior officials who will oversee the integrity team.
Rhys Harrison has been named as the new General Manager Integrity. Harrison comes to the organisation from his position as GM Integrity at Gymnastics Australia, where he managed the organisation’s response to an Australian Human Rights Commission report.
Harrison has also held integrity positions at Tennis Australia and the former Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation. He has also worked for the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Army.
A new Chief Steward has also been announced. Peter Chadwick comes to HRV with a wealth of experience having worked as a steward around Australia and in Singapore. Most recently he worked for the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission as Chief Steward for thoroughbred racing. Before that he worked as a steward at the Singapore Turf Club for 18 years, with 13 of those as Chief Steward.
Chadwick has also worked for the New South Wales Thoroughbred Racing Board, the Tasmanian Thoroughbred Racing Council and Western Australian Turf Club.
HRV Interim CEO Fiona Mellor welcomed Harrison and Chadwick to HRV.
“It is an exciting time for Harness Racing Victoria. Our ambitious TROTS24 strategy shows our commitment to being globally recognised as the home of harness racing in Australia and creating innovative racing and events. All of this is underpinned by our commitment to the highest standard of welfare and integrity across the industry,” Mellor said.
“Ethics and values are not just buzz words at HRV, we truly believe in the integrity of our industry which is why we have implemented program such as HRV HERO, creating pathways and support for our equine athletes into their lives beyond the track. I am confident that in Rhys Harrison and Peter Chadwick we have found the right people who can support us.”
Harrison was excited to join such a well-established industry.
“While at Gymnastics Australia I managed a team which was known for navigating serious misconduct investigations while simultaneously delivering exceptional service to the gymnastics community. I am positive that I can offer the same level of integrity to HRV,” Harrison said.
“The harness racing community is known within the sport as tight-knit and passionate – qualities which add to the scope of integrity within the industry. I look forward to learning even more about the industry and attending many of the events throughout the Summer of Racing.”
Chadwick was excited to join a new code of racing.
“I have only ever heard amazing things about standardbred horses and have always been in awe of their calm and graceful nature off the track, which translates into amazing racing on track.”
“Harness Racing Victoria feels like a natural progression for me, and I am looking forward to playing a part in maintaining the integrity of this great and established industry.”
Harrison will begin his position on 9 January, while Chadwick will transition into the role in early December. The appointments come just as HRV is hosting the biggest harness racing event in Australasia – SENTrack Inter Dominion 2022.