Dr. Grace Forbes, a pivotal figure in the safety measures of the Melbourne Cup, has resigned from her position at Racing Victoria following a protracted workplace dispute. This resignation comes after a confidential settlement was reached concerning allegations of workplace bullying against the organisation and its CEO, Aaron Morrison.
Forbes’ role in the Melbourne Cup’s history is significant. In 2015, Michelle Payne became the first woman to win the prestigious race, reinvigorating its status. Forbes, on the other hand, played a crucial role in implementing safety protocols that have transformed the event’s landscape. Between 2013 and 2020, the Melbourne Cup saw seven horses euthanised due to catastrophic injuries, prompting calls for reform. Under Forbes’ leadership, new safety measures were introduced in 2021, resulting in no fatalities since their implementation.
The tension surrounding Forbes escalated when she lodged a complaint with the Fair Work Commission, alleging bullying from Racing Victoria executives. Her barrister, Nicholas Harrington, stated that Forbes had suffered harm due to the actions of the organisation and specifically named CEO Aaron Morrison. Racing Victoria and Morrison have categorically denied these claims.
At the centre of the dispute were the safety protocols introduced for the Melbourne Cup. Forbes alleged that she faced pressure from Racing Victoria to allow international horses deemed “high risk” to participate in the race. This contentious issue ultimately led to a months-long back-and-forth that was settled before entering a courtroom.
In the broader context, Forbes’ resignation occurs during a tumultuous period for Racing Victoria’s leadership. In February 2024, Jonathan Munz, chairman of the Thoroughbred Racehorse Owners Association, initiated a motion to restructure the board, accusing the executive of incompetence. This motion resulted in the resignations of several high-ranking officials, including former CEO Andrew Jones.
The concerns about Forbes’ position were amplified by a speculative post on social media by racing journalist Bruce Clark. He suggested that Forbes and other executives were under review, which Forbes contended was never publicly addressed by Racing Victoria. This lack of communication heightened her anxiety regarding job security, particularly as she was overseas when the post surfaced.
The scrutiny of the Melbourne Cup’s safety protocols intensified in the lead-up to the 2023 event, with several horses being scratched from the race due to health concerns. This led to backlash from trainers and owners, including notable figures such as Aidan O’Brien, who described the testing process as “ridiculous.”
Racing Victoria has since sought to address issues surrounding communication and transparency when horses are withdrawn from races. Following discussions with industry stakeholders, it was acknowledged that better information flow is essential to alleviate the concerns of trainers and owners.
Forbes alleged that during a meeting with Morrison and head of integrity Jamie Stier, she was pressured to adopt a more lenient approach regarding horse inspections, particularly for international competitors trained by prominent trainers. This claim was firmly denied by Racing Victoria, which stated that it prioritises the welfare of horses.
As her dispute with Racing Victoria escalated, Forbes took personal leave and eventually lodged an application for an anti-bullying order. A hearing was scheduled for October 30, 2023, but this was resolved through mediation, resulting in a confidential settlement agreement. The financial implications of this settlement have not been disclosed.
The Melbourne Cup continues to evolve, with Forbes’ departure marking another chapter in its ongoing efforts to balance safety with the competitive nature of the event. Racing Victoria’s commitment to improving safety measures remains a priority as the organisation navigates the complexities of horse racing and welfare in the spotlight.
