Robertson-Smith to head up Racing Victoria’s new veterinary leadership team 

Racing Victoria has moved to provide overdue stability within its veterinary and integrity ranks with the appointment of Dr Glenn Robertson-Smith as chief veterinary officer and Dr Stephanie Chapman as deputy chief veterinary officer.

Dr Robertson-Smith brings more than four decades of experience spanning specialist clinical practice, academia and racing regulation to the role after most recently working with the Hong Kong Jockey Club.

Dr Chapman joins Racing Victoria after serving as deputy chief veterinary officer at France Galop, where she led major anti-doping and equine welfare programs within the French racing system.

The appointments come during a period of turbulent transition within Racing Victoria’s veterinary services department.

Dr Grace Forbes quit as Racing Victoria’s head veterinarian, just days after settling a bullying case out of court that she brought against her long-term employer.

She had been on personal leave since July but ended her 16-year tenure in December.

Dr Forbes had levelled bullying allegations through the Fair Work Commission against Racing Victoria chief executive Aaron Morrison and other senior executives, including executive general manager of integrity services Jamie Stier.

The dispute was settled out of court.

This prevented the likelihood that Morrison, Steir and a third senior executive Xavier Linton would have to appear before the Commission and face questioning over the allegations levelled by Dr Forbes’ legal team

Neither party commented on the terms of the settlement.

The whereabouts of Dr Forbes, a public figure in the RV vet team for over a decade, had been the source of mounting industry speculation for months before her departure.

Her replacement, Dr Robertson-Smith is a Fellow of the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists in Equine Surgery who has undertaken advanced postgraduate training in Australia and the United States and previously lectured in surgery at the University of Melbourne.

He is also well known within Victorian thoroughbred circles through his previous work as a veterinary provider operating from Caulfield and Cranbourne.

Dr Robertson-Smith will oversee Racing Victoria’s veterinary services operation, including regulatory veterinarians, veterinary nurses and swabbing officials who officiate across 530 race meetings each year.

The role also includes responsibility for the organisation’s anti-doping program and a range of equine welfare and veterinary initiatives conducted away from raceday operations.

Dr Robertson-Smith is scheduled to commence with Racing Victoria on August 10.

A graduate of the University of Liverpool with distinctions in veterinary medicine, Dr Chapman previously worked within the Australian thoroughbred racing and breeding industries between 2016 and 2019.

She will commence with Racing Victoria on July 13.

One of Dr Chapman’s first assignments will be to assist Dr David Sykes with mandatory veterinary inspections of international horses targeting the 2026 spring racing carnival.

Dr Sykes, formerly head of veterinary at British Horse Racing, also oversaw inspections for international entries ahead of the 2025 spring and has again been engaged by Racing Victoria for the role.

Racing Victoria executive general manager of integrity services Jamie Stier said the appointments would bolster Racing Victoria’s veterinary services division and support its integrity and welfare obligations.

“The pair will provide great leadership to our hard-working veterinary services team, who play a vital role in supporting and protecting the welfare of horses and compliance with the rules every day,” he said.

He said Dr Robertson-Smith’s longstanding involvement in Victorian racing would make him a familiar figure to many within the industry despite his recent years abroad.

“Glenn is returning to Australia from his current role with the Hong Kong Jockey Club and will be well known to many within the industry given his extensive veterinary background in Victoria,” Stier said.

Stier also highlighted Dr Chapman’s international experience across several racing jurisdictions.

“Stephanie has built an impressive resume across three continents and worked in Australian racing and breeding across several seasons before embarking on a five-year stint with France Galop,” he said.

Stier acknowledged the efforts of existing veterinary staff since Dr Forbes’ resignation.

“In making these announcements, I want to extend my thanks to all within our veterinary services team who have done a tremendous job during a period of leadership transition,” he said.