Media release
I am issuing this media release in response to requests for me to clarify the findings of my investigation into matters concerning David Moodie.
I consider it is necessary for me to make the following information available, in the interests of preserving the independence and professionalism of my office and the integrity of my investigation.
On Friday 14 October 2016, the Racing Victoria Limited (RVL) Integrity Council requested that I investigate integrity issues concerning David Moodie, the then RVL Chairman, inappropriately disclosing information regarding RVL cobalt investigations.
My investigation was conducted to establish whether David Moodie:-
a. inappropriately disclosed information regarding the positive cobalt swabs of Mark Kavanagh and Danny O’Brien, to Peter Moody,therefore compromising, or potentially compromising, the integrity of the RVL cobalt investigations and disciplinary and/or prosecution hearings or actions arising out of those investigations; and b. knowingly provided misleading and/or incomplete information to the RVL Integrity Council and/or the RVL Board regarding his disclosures.
The conduct of my investigation included the interviewing of over 30 persons; the issuing of summonses for the production of documents and attendance of persons to from a wide range of sources. In addition, a large volume of documents were obtained and reviewed, including telecommunications data, RVL Board and Integrity Council meeting minutes, Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board (RADB) and Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) transcripts and RVL Stewards’ investigation files.
My report outlined a range of findings in regards to matters investigated and concluded that, notwithstanding that David Moodie was not the original source of the ‘leak’, both matters a) and b) above, had been substantiated.
It also included a finding as to the probable original source of the information regarding the positive samples of Mark Kavanagh and Danny O’Brien, which was subsequently passed on to David Moodie.
My report was provided to the RVL Integrity Council on Tuesday 14 December 2016 and has since been received and considered by the RVL Board.
As my report contains confidential and sensitive information, I do not intend to release the full report publicly. My findings and conclusions are now a matter for RVL.
Sal Perna
Racing Integrity Commissioner