‘Detrimental and a negative influence’ – Partington’s snap resignation prompts emergency talks between RQ and trainers

High level discussions are underway between Racing Queensland and the trainers’ representative body in a bid to resolve a bitter falling out between executives at the regulator and the local ATA.

Long-serving Australian Trainers Association (Qld) representative Cameron Partington quit on Thursday after 15 years, claiming Racing Queensland deemed the thoroughbred trainers’ body to be “detrimental and often (a) negative influence” on the operations of the local industry.

Partington and regional executive Tony Fenlon informed members they would resign following a heated meeting between the state branch of the ATA and Racing Queensland on Thursday.

However, the federal branch of the ATA, led by Melbourne-based Stephen Bell, and RQ are holding peace talks in the hope of ending the impasse and convincing Partington and Fenlon to reverse their decisions.

In a letter to members signalling his intent to step down after 15 years, Partington was scathing of the governing body’s willingness to liaise with the ATA (Qld) branch.

“The current RQ Racing Team have made it very clear over recent months that, in their opinion, the ATA is a detrimental, and often negative influence that impacts their ability to effectively manage the statewide racing operations,” Partington wrote in a letter to members.

“They have advised us that our communication to members and industry was often unnecessary, and furthermore, on occasions, derogatory towards them.

“They also suggested the ATA interfere too often in matters that didn’t concern us.”

Partington is unafraid to speak his mind and has campaigned strongly on a range of issues on behalf of the ATA and other industry groups he is aligned with such as the Queensland Jockeys’ Association and the state’s combined Thoroughbred Alliance.

During Partington’s time with the ATA (Qld), the body’s membership has increased from 120 to about 350.

In the resignation letter, Partington added: “The current RQ leadership team appeared today to clearly feel more committed to listening to the complaints from staff within their racing team about the ATA, than to constructively discuss where the root of the problem, in my personal opinion, lies. 

“Personally, I can’t give any less than 100 per cent to a cause, being working for the betterment of the industry for my members, all trainers and the greater community of racing participants. 

“Sadly, I cannot do this working in the current RQ environment.”

The uneasy relationship comes as Racing Queensland operates under its own level of uncertainty as the state government conducts an overarching review into the three codes of racing.

Racing Queensland’s CEO Jason Scott resigned in January and he has been seconded to run The Q, Queensland’s new greyhound racing facility, with chief financial officer Lachlan Murray currently acting as the regulator’s CEO.

“Over the past 15 years, Cam has been a passionate advocate for the ATA and for advancing the Queensland racing industry,” Murray said.

“His deep knowledge of racing and enthusiasm is unquestionable and he’ll be sorely missed. We’re disappointed he believes it has come to this but we respect his decision.

“The industry benefits when there is a constructive working relationship between RQ and its industry bodies and we will work positively with the ATA to achieve that outcome. I will absolutely prioritise enhancing relationships between trainers and RQ.”