Back on track: Dr Eliot Forbes

Dr Eliot Forbes is the first to admit that "Racing Queensland has faced quite a lot of challenges and controversy in recent years". Rather than act as a deterrent, however, this is exactly what attracted him to the vacant CEO role in mid-2016. "I was drawn to the fact that it was an organisation and an industry that needed consolidation and strong leadership to bed down the structural changes that had been put in place and, most of all, to bring stability," he explains.

It also represented an opportunity for him — a born and bred Queenslander — to return home after an absence extending to more than 2 decades. 

Perfect pedigree

The qualified veterinarian certainly has the pedigree. Prior to his move north, Eliot spent 6 years at Tasracing, first in a COO capacity, before being appointed CEO in 2012, when he delivered an almost $10 million financial turnaround in the 2013 financial year.

Yet, had you asked the recently graduated Eliot if he saw himself pursuing a career in racing administration, the answer would have been a firm no. "I’ve always loved horses, but I saw myself working in a veterinary practice, as a clinician who worked with all animals," he says. 

Post-graduation, his first job in the Adelaide Hills gave him a taste of race-day excitement, and the rest is history: clinical roles with vet practices and jockey clubs in the UK, Macau, Qatar and the UAE followed, before being appointed the chief veterinary officer for the richest horse race in the world, the $10 million Dubai World Cup.

"I’ve been very fortunate throughout my career to have what I consider the best office in the world: the racetrack," he says. "People always ask me if I miss the front-line clinical aspect," he continues, anticipating my following question. "Of course I do; I mean it was a big decision for someone whose career revolved around working in stables to move to a full-time desk job.

But if you think about it, with the motivations that drove me to want to become involved in animal welfare, I was previously able to fulfil on a one-on-one basis as a clinician, whereas now, on an administration and policy level, I am able to effect widespread change," he explains.

A rough ride

Approaching his first anniversary at Racing Queensland, Eliot reflects on what has been a busy year. A tri-code organisation, Racing Queensland is responsible for thoroughbreds, harness racing and greyhounds. It’s certainly attracted its fair share of unwanted publicity over the past 2 years: sharing the backlash for the greyhound live-baiting scandal with Racing New South Wales.

Yet, while the ex-New South Wales premier Mike Baird’s backflip on his greyhound racing ban kept the story hot in the state’s press, Eliot applauds the speed of the Queensland Government’s response. "In Queensland, the government of the day moved quickly to put in place an inquiry which worked to address the issues, and the industry in Queensland has now moved on, as opposed to the more drawn-out process we witnessed in New South Wales." 

In the wake of the controversy, the Queensland Government introduced legislation that separated the integrity functions from the commercial and administrative functions of Racing Queensland. As a result, the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) came into being in July 2016, the same month that Eliot joined Racing Queensland.

"I am responsible for solidifying the structural changes that were made," he explains. "The QRIC is its own separate and independent division with a focus on integrity services, while Racing Queensland has the mandate to build the business of racing and is responsible for racing’s overall strategic and commercial performance."

Horses for courses

At Tasracing, Eliot thoroughly demonstrated his talent for delivering change management and financial turnaround, but considering that last financial year Racing Queensland reported a loss of $20 million, this new role requires these same skills to be deployed in a larger and more high-profile context.

There is no questioning his ability to achieve a similarly successful outcome in Queensland. "My focus is on ensuring that the organisation has the capabilities to deliver on its responsibilities," he explains. This involves creating the right structure and attracting the right talent, along with undertaking a thorough examination of expenditure and revenue.

 
He also recognises the important role digital strategy has to play. "There is significant opportunity for the development of cutting-edge digital assets from both a racing data and showcase perspective," he says. Although mindful of respecting the traditions of a sport steeped in history, Eliot is more than aware that the industry finds itself in a fortunate position.

"So many aspects of the racing business are suited to digital delivery, whether it’s live product, information or colour stories," he says. "We are content providers to a consumer market that has a voracious appetite for the stories and the insights behind the heroes and the battlers in the racing industry." 

A new generation of fans

The Stradbroke Day at Brisbane’s Eagle Farm racecourse and Magic Millions on the Gold Coast may be the state’s marquee racing carnivals that attract media darlings in dazzling fascinators, but in country Queensland local race days are an intrinsic part of a community’s social fabric.

We are content providers to a consumer market that has a voracious appetite for the stories and the insights behind the heroes and the battlers in the racing industry.

"We have to be ever aware of our importance to rural communities as well," Eliot says, before adding that the industry as a whole is facing a challenge to align itself with a new generation of fans.

"One of the important areas of focus for emerging fans is ensuring that animal welfare is being looked after in a responsible and appropriate manner. This is an area where I think, with my veterinary background, I can ensure that the practices and conduct of the industry are not only responsible but aligned with what this next breed of racing supporters are demanding," he says.

After a challenging spell, it looks like Racing Queensland is finally back on track.