The Jockey Club needs regulation

I have been a racing follower for 50 odd years now. I am but a punter but have always been besotted with the horses and anything related to them. In my 50 years, there have been many shenanigans. I recall as a youngster the drama around the shooting of the great Sea Cottage. I recall incidents where ringers where used in races. I recall many cases of proper "doping" done by some proper characters. What I also recall through all these incidents is the Jockey Club handling these cases properly. Never at any stage did I think that they were not in control of the situation.

I no longer believe that the Jockey Club is in control. It is a weak organisation that appears to be inconsistent, and at times unfair, in its treatment of alleged offenders. There are too many cases that support my theory. The time has come for the Jockey Club to be held accountable for their actions. It is inconceivable in this day and age that they are answerable to no-one.

I worked for 40 years at one of the 4 big banks in South Africa. Prior to the establishment of the banking ombudsman, the only avenue open to disgruntled clients were the courts. Because of the costs involved funding these matters, 99.9% of disputes were never settled amicably because the disputed amount was less than the legal fees. The ombudsman has changed this landscape completely and now every person has an opportunity to challenge the banks on anything they feel aggrieved about, and as a bonus, at a little to nothing cost for the complainant. This scenario is repeated in every industry where big money and consumers exist. These ombudsmen are appointed, and paid for by government, who recover the fees from the applicable industries they protect.

Why do we not have a racing ombudsman? Why are the Jockey Club not accountable for their actions, or more lately, inefficient, unfair or lack of action? Why is it that massive fines seem to be the order of the day, and integrity and belief in the efficiency of this organisation is dead and buried. This system is unfair and needs change.

Probably quite simple really. They only really care about the shareholders and that's it. Get the results and screw the rest.

I totally agree . O T A - How does one create or apply getting an racing ombudsman ? we need one badly . I am just not sure how to go about it , but I am willing to take up the challenge, if someone can give me pointers on how to create this system and what do we need.

Your advice would be appreciated . Enough is enough , when a groom gets a final warning for kicking a horse , there are so many questions to be asked . I understand that there are labour laws protecting the groom , the NHA has no Jurisdiction , but please this can not be . Enough is enough.

Don't they appoint independent board members ?