In March of 2022, Australian horse racing authority Racing Victoria announced a historical review into how the industry handled complaints of abuse. Beginning in July under the purview of Victoria's racing integrity commissioner Sean Carroll, the review has thus far included the testimony of 88 survivors of physical and sexual abuse.
“I think a whole generation of kids was failed by the racing authorities,” Green told The Age. “They've just been silent for too long.”
“Numerous victim survivors have also talked about the historical inaction of racing authorities in response to their complaints of sexual and physical abuse and expressed their dismay at what they perceive as 'cover-ups' and complaints being 'swept under the carpet',” Carroll wrote in his report. “For some, the threat of retribution is palpable. Many have spoken about not being offered guidance on what to do or where to complain, and simply tolerated ongoing mistreatment as a result.”
An earlier expose in The Age detailed the story of former jockey Ron Lockett, who was “accidentally” set on fire as an apprentice in the 1970s, as well as the stories of four other jockeys who were tortured (some of whom later attempted suicide).
Green is hopeful his testimony will allow other victims to come forward; the review is set to conclude in March, and a final report will be released by June.
“The review is an historic opportunity to ensure that what happens away from the track is as important to the integrity of racing as what occurs on the track,” Carroll told The Age.
Read more at The Age.
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