Racing: By George, he's back again

Cameron George impressed everyone with his handling of the Lisa Cropp 'silver object' case. Photo / Martin Sykes

Chief steward Cameron George this week resumed his position after 14 months in Australia.

If New Zealand adopts a tri-code integrity panel, George would be a natural to head it.

His 14 months spent in harness racing in Victoria will prove invaluable. Cameron George looked over a nearly deserted Rotorua racecourse two hours before the first race yesterday and it was difficult to remember that it was 14 months since he left.

It's not immediately obvious that anything has changed since the best racing steward this country has known slipped out of the job of New Zealand's chief steward that he's just slipped back into.

But it has.

It would be a very good bet that if New Zealand adopts the combining of all three racing codes in matters of integrity, George will land the job of heading the umbrella body.

All bets are off on whether this country will adopt a total One Racing administration on all levels, but it makes absolute sense to combine the integrity bodies.

George won't be drawn into speculating on the possibility of that new position.

"If it happened it would be a privilege to be offered a position like that, but that's for others to decide."

That's where the 14 months in Australia will prove to be crucial experience.

George impressed everyone with his efficiency and determination as a steward when the first real case he had thrown at him in New Zealand was the almost impossible Lisa Cropp "silver object" case in the Derby at Ellerslie.

Dividends were suspended in the Derby when Cropp alleged she saw a "silver object", by implication an illegal jigger, pass from the hands of winning rider Vinny Colgan to the hand of third-placed jockey Noel Harris as the field returned.

George's decisive inquiry - on his birthday, no less - was as stylish as it was speedy under the circumstances.

After lengthy questioning of all parties concerned and studying videotape evidence of the alleged incident, George announced Redoute's Dancer and runner-up Mettre En Jeu placings would stand. The videotape of the "high five" between Colgan and Harris (who rode third placegetter Uberalles) confirmed Colgan had an open hand when making contact with Harris' hand and clearly showed there was nothing in his palm.

George's 14 months as chief steward to Harness Racing Victoria was anything but a holiday.

Just as the Lisa Cropp saga was a test, so was suddenly becoming chief harness steward in Victoria with absolutely no knowledge or experience in the harness code.

"I was sitting knowing nothing and learning it while at the same time trying to control the conduct of all participants in the industry."

Such a baptism of fire can teach you very quickly, particularly when you've got George's ability.

The harness experience will prove invaluable if George ends up heading a combined code integrity panel.

"It was absolutely a great experience being chief steward in Victoria. Harness is big in Australia and Victoria is the leader of the pack."

George says he learned a lot about drug testing while in harness in Victoria.

"I learned a lot about different techniques, not only in the testing itself, but in the implementation around the testing.

"We came up with the first EPO [erythropoietin] cases while I was there and harness racing in Victoria not only has extensive pre-race testing, they are doing a lot of work in the area of impounding horses for the 24 hours before major races.

"There are a lot of areas to work in and although they can be costly, New Zealand could look at options if everyone's serious about racing being a level playing field.

"I could make recommendations and if John McKenzie (chief racecourse inspector) thought they were worthy they could be implemented."

CAMERON GEORGE

* Chief steward Cameron George this week resumed his position after 14 months in Australia.
* If New Zealand adopts a tri-code integrity panel, George would be a natural to head it.
* His 14 months spent in harness racing in Victoria will prove invaluable.