Racing Queensland has assured Collective Shout that the Gold Coast Turf Club’s plans to race 150 women – described as ‘fillies and mares’ – in bikinis from barrier stalls December 4, will not go ahead.
I wrote about the Club’s plan to parade women like animals Wednesday. Collective Shout covered it as well.
Here’s the email we received yesterday:
Thank you for email concerning the so called bikini track sprint.
The race was a proposal developed by the Gold Coast Turf Club and initially put to Racing Queensland Ltd (RQL) in early August. The Club came to RQL as to hold events on the track during a race meeting, RQL’s permission (as the racing control body) is required. From the outset, RQL has refused permission for such a race to take place as we do not consider it consistent with the image of our sport. Indeed, the Club was advised in writing for the third time earlier this week that the proposed race was not to take place.
I can assure you that the proposed bikini race will not be proceeding. We hope that what people will be admiring on track on race day will be the performance of the horses and the skill and courage of the (female and male) jockeys.
Regards, Jamie Orchard, Director of Integrity Operations, PO Box 63, Sandgate QLD 4017
We commend Racing Queensland for taking a strong stand against sexism. And thanks to all who complained. Why not send Mr Orchard a quick note of thanks?
As pointed out on Collective Shout’s site, the Gold Coast Turf Club has taken action to eradicate all negative comments on its Bikini Sprint Race Facebook page. And there were only negative comments. (Fortunately my colleagues are big fans of the screen shot. We like to record these things for posterity).
The Club also doctored its original FB image.
Update: Despite insisting it would fight the decision, the FB event page no longer exists. And the event has disappeared from the club’s website too.
See also: Gold Coast Bikini Race Called Off
Body Matters Australasia: Sexism alive and well in Australia
Hear Steve Biddulph on the issue on Channel 7’s Sunrise
One Response
Brilliant work Melinda and Collective Shout and everyone else who contacted the Turf club !!
That’s what speaking out can acheive!!
Great to see Steve Biddulph on Sunrise cut thru the BS and get straight to the heart of the matter.