David Moodie resigns as RV chairman

David Moodie has resigned as chairman of Racing Victoria despite a finding he was not the source of a leak over positive cobalt swabs in horses trained by Danny O’Brien and Mark Kavanagh.

Moodie was named during an appeal by the trainers over their disqualifications for cobalt use as the person who told fellow trainer Peter Moody in January 2015 of their positives.

At the time Moodie was a board member but not chairman.

After he was named in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, RV’s Integrity Council referred the matter to Racing Integrity Commissioner, Sal Perna, for independent investigation.

RV acting chairman, Mike Hirst, issued a statement after Thursday’s board meeting saying Moodie and his family had undergone a difficult time.

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“In reviewing this matter the board considered a range of points, including the confidential investigation by Sal Perna. Mr Perna’s report found that David Moodie was not the source of the leak from Racing Victoria,” Hirst said.

“Given that fact, David today tendered his resignation from the Board of Racing Victoria with immediate effect to devote his energies to his personal operations,” Hirst said.

“He believes that the decision is in the best interests of himself and his family, who have been through a difficult time over the past two months.

“The board has accepted his resignation and wishes to acknowledge the significant contribution made by David to the industry.

“In light of Mr Perna’s report and our considerations, the board will now review the circumstances around the external dissemination of the information in question.”

Hirst will continue in his capacity as acting chairman with the board to discuss the chairman’s role at its next meeting in February.