V’landys’ ‘lifelong friend’ on panel to help select Racing NSW chair

EXCLUSIVE: Former harness racing chief John Dumesny, once described as a ‘lifelong friend’ of Peter V’landys, is a member of the three-person panel appointed to help the Racing Minister choose the next chairman of Racing NSW.

New South Wales racing minister David Harris established the selection panel in December, with Elizabeth Mildwater, the head of the Department of Enterprise, Investment and Trade, as its chair and joined by former state government lawyer Don Colagiuri.

The presence of Dumesny, the man who assumed V’landys’ role as NSW Harness Racing Club chief executive in 2004, having worked with the now Racing NSW CEO for 16 years before that, is set to draw plenty of scrutiny.

Dumesny was a respected administrator in harness racing before his retirement midway through last year after 35 years working in the sport in NSW.

Just last September, Dumesny – in a story celebrating his retirement from Harness Racing NSW – told the Daily Telegraph‘s Ray Thomas that V’landys was “inspirational” and it was stated the pair have remained “lifelong friends”.

Dumesny is now in the process of helping select the person who will oversee V’landys’ role at Racing NSW and work alongside the long-time CEO on the board.

It is understood the panel was tasked with shortlisting applicants for the position of independent director that was created when the NSW Labor government gave up in their bid to have the term of former chairman Russell Balding extended to 14 years. 

In a dramatic end to Balding’s tenure, Harris chose to withdraw the legislation to extend Balding after the state’s opposition and crossbench MPs insisted on amendments that would have forced more transparency and scrutiny on Racing NSW. 

V’landys had campaigned strongly to have Balding retained, however a number of industry leaders, including Gai Waterhouse, Magic Millions owner Katie Page and former Racing NSW chair John Messara, publicly voiced their concerns over governance issues linked to Balding’s term being extended.

On the podcast is John Dumesny CEO of HRNSW. John previews the 2021 Interdominion carnival which takes in four exciting nights at three popular tracks. John talks about his life in harness racing.https://t.co/qfYoUCGBYK@SkyRacingAU @HRNSW_Harness #harnessracing pic.twitter.com/Qgz5KAihZR

— John Tapp (@johntappracing) November 25, 2021

Photo in Tweet: John Dumesny (far left) and Peter V’landys (second from left) when working together at Harness Racing NSW

One prominent member of the NSW racing industry, speaking on condition of anonymity, said it was a curious decision for Harris to appoint someone with such a close relationship to V’landys to the selection panel.

“I don’t know Dumesny well and I don’t make any comment on him, or suggest anything untoward, however, the perception will be that the process and the panel’s independence may be compromised,” they said.  

“Did the minister’s office know that Dumesny and V’landys were mates? If they did, then it’s a very foolish decision, and if they didn’t it shows how little thought went into the process.”

It is believed that the selection panel has been interviewing candidates for the board of Racing NSW over the past week. Additionally, they have been tasked with interviewing those members of the current board who put their hand up to take over the position of chair.

“Did the minister’s office know that Dumesny and V’landys were mates? If they did, then it’s a very foolish decision, and if they didn’t it shows how little thought went into the process.”

Racing NSW board member and GWS Giants chairman Tony Shepherd has been named as a leading candidate for the role.

It is expected the minister will announce the position of chair and the new board member in the coming weeks. The decision will have to be approved by Cabinet.

A spokesperson for Racing Minister David Harris defended the appointment process, but did not confirm the make-up of the selection panel.

“The selection process to appoint a new chair and member of the Racing NSW board is being undertaken in accordance with the Thoroughbred Racing Act 1996,” the spokesperson said.

“This includes a skills-based assessment by an independent selection panel, appointed by the Minister. The panel includes members with senior public service and racing industry executive experience.”

“Further details on the membership of the selection panel or any related issues will not be disclosed in line with government practice.”

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