GWIC Announce New Chief Steward

BRETT Day has been announced as the new Chief Steward of the NSW Greyhound Welfare & Integrity Commission (GWIC).

Day will vacate his current role as Chairman of Stewards at Harness Racing Victoria (HRV), a position he's held since mid-2018, to assume his new position from September.

"Mr Day's appointment is an important and significant one for the Commission, who will lead a range of improvements and enhancements to its stewarding of race meetings in New South Wales," GWIC Chief Executive Officer Judy Lind said.

"Mr Day has substantial stewarding expertise and experience in both the thoroughbred and harness racing industries.

"He will be a very valuable asset to the Commission and to greyhound racing in New South Wales."

Day, nephew of Goulburn GRC boss Patrick Day, has been with HRV since 2011.

Prior to his employment at HRV, Day performed stewarding functions in the thoroughbred industry both in Queensland and New South Wales.

"I see it as a great opportunity to implement a range of changes that will see it as one of the leading racing and integrity controlling bodies in the country," Day said.

Day's appointment follows the retirement of Gail Thorsby whose departure from GWIC has been the subject of intense media attention in recent days.

On Wednesday morning, GWIC Chief Commissioner Alan Brown fielded questions from Ray Hadley alleging that Thorsby was vacating her post due to claims of bullying and a toxic culture at the commission.

In announcing Thorsby's successor, GWIC CEO Judy Lind offered the outgoing chief steward all the best in retirement.

"Gail has done a tremendous job leading the steward panel since November 2018," said Lind.

"She has been well respected by the industry throughout her time with the Commission and everyone at GWIC wishes Gail all the best in retirement."