Overview
- Dr Grace Forbes has lodged an application with the Fair Work Commission seeking an order to stop bullying and is on personal leave.
- Her filing says an April 3 meeting with CEO Aaron Morrison and integrity head Jamie Stier pressed her to be more “flexible” when assessing international horses.
- Forbes alleges Aidan O’Brien applied direct pressure on RV leadership before Jan Brueghel was ruled out, adding that an independent imaging panel made that decision.
- Racing Victoria strongly refutes the claims, emphasizing equine welfare, the unchanged 2021 safety protocols, roughly $45 million spent on welfare, and a run without serious injuries in key races.
- A Fair Work hearing is expected later in 2025, with the dispute drawing attention ahead of the Cox Plate after recent vet-driven rulings such as the scratching of Sir Delius.