Eighty-eight abuse survivors have so far taken part in a review into how the Victorian Racing Industry handled their complaints. But one victim says more jockeys should speak up.
Dennis Green was a former jockey and trackwork rider in the 1970s, when he was subjected to sexual abuse and disgusting initiation practises while at the Caulfield stable of Geoff Murphy.
Former jockey Dennis Green has encouraged more jockeys to speak up.Credit:Fairfax
It wasn’t until the early 2000s when police investigated Green’s allegations, which led to two men being convicted. But Green says the racing authorities failed dismally in their duty of care, and continue to turn a blind eye.
That has been an overwhelming theme in the review so far, being conducted by Victoria’s racing integrity commissioner Sean Carroll, who released an interim eight-page report on Thursday.
“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.”
Of the 88 people interviewed so far, two thirds have been male, but only 11 per cent were current or former jockeys/harness racing drivers. One third were trainers, while 41 per cent were employees at race clubs or at the racing codes.
Green, who has twice spoken at the commissioner’s review, which he described as “absolutely professional and empathetic”, said there would be a lot more jockeys who could assist in Carroll’s inquiry.
“You’re dealing with guys, they were kids, it’s going to be under-reported, and it’s going to be really hard to get them to speak about it,” Green said.
Former jockey Ron Lockett was “accidentally” set on fire as an apprentice in the 1970s.Credit:Simon Schluter
“I would really just plead to any, predominantly boys from my era, [to come forward].
“Otherwise I’m a lone voice in a way, which I’ve felt. It’s important for me to have others to verify [what I’ve said], and talk about their experiences.”
The Age detailed a number of stories of jockeys who were subjected to cruel initiations while they worked in Victorian racing stables in the 1970s and 1980s, in an exposé published at the same time as the announcement of Carroll’s review.
One former jockey, Ron Lockett, was “accidentally” set on fire as an apprentice in the 1970s. Four other jockeys detailed how they were tortured – two on the condition of anonymity – some of whom later attempted suicide.
Green said he still remains upset that he has not heard from any racing authority since first detailing his abuse allegations in 1998.
“I think a whole generation of kids was failed by the racing authorities,” he said. “They’ve just been silent for too long.”
In March, Racing Victoria released a statement, encouraging other victims to take part in the commissioner’s review.
“Whilst we have only been made aware of a relatively small number of individual allegations over time, we are keen to know if there are other historical incidents and are encouraging any person that may have an unreported experience of historical physical or sexual assault whilst participating in the industry to come forward, so they can be directed to appropriate support,” Racing Victoria said.
Carroll said the review, which began in July, would continue until the end of March next year, with the aim of reviewing the industry’s current processes and systems for handling abuse complaints.
“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 said.
Racing integrity commissioner Sean Carroll has released an interim report into how the Victorian Racing Industry handles abuse complaints.Credit:Joe Armao
“I strongly encourage anyone who has experienced, is experiencing, or has observed physical and sexual assault and abuse and sexual harassment in the Victorian racing industry to come forward and take part.”
A final report, which is set to include detailed findings drawn from the de-identified accounts of people who have contributed to the review, will be published by the end of June next year.
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