Journalists Are ‘Hitmen & Prostitutes’ – Racing CEO

April 9, 2011

Journalists Are ‘Hitmen & Prostitutes’ – Racing CEO

The Melbourne Racing Club has been struck at its very core with CEO Alistair Robertson caught comparing the journalists at a media conference to prostitutes and hitmen.

After the conference was finished Robertson was overheard saying he would prefer his children to be hitmen or prostitutes rather than like the journalists which had been questioning him.

The comments stemmed mainly from a female journalist who repeatedly asked him about the most recent death in Australian jumps racing.

Three horses fell and one was put down in a Victorian jumps race on the weekend which has sparked renewed calls for the sport to be banned.

After being caught out Robertson apologised for his “stupid and inappropriate” comments, but has rejected claims he is sexist.

“I said that I would prefer my children to be hitmen or prostitutes than to be that quality of journalist. It’s not sexist in any way shape or form,” he said.

“In the heat of the moment I made a stupid comment and I’ve actually openly apologised for it this morning.”

He claims he made the statement because he felt the questioning was an insult to several important guests he had at the conference which included members of the United Arab Emirates Royal Family.

“To be honest I was actually a little angry, but I suppose I was actually a little bit embarrassed for the dignitaries present.”

“I recognise that she (the journalist) had every right to ask whatever question she wants, but in the heat of the moment I was embarrassed for the dignitaries. I made a silly comment and it was an absolutely silly comment.”

Despite apologising for his comment and claiming the quoted statement wasn’t entirely correct, he refused to clarify what it was he really said, instead saying he “didn’t want to dignify it by actually repeating it”.

He does however admit, “It was very close to that, but it was out of context.”

“I respect that she can ask, but … she wouldn’t let it go, I was embarrassed for the people, they were sitting there wondering what on earth was going on.”

Racing fields and data are copyright 2011-2021 © Racing Australia Pty Ltd (RA) (and other parties working with it).
Racing materials, including fields, form and results, is subject to copyright which is owned by RA and other parties working with it. Full copyright notice.

Spring Racing

Military Mission Fires in 2023...

Zipping Classic 2023 Field �...

Zipping Classic 2023 Field & Odds Update: Vow And Declare Defends Title

Danny O’Brien’s 2019 Melbourne Cup winner Vow And Declare continues to show a...

Overpass Heads 2023 Winterbott...

Overpass Heads 2023 Winterbottom Stakes Field & Betting Markets

Bjron Baker’s The Everest performer Overpass is tipped to return to winning...

Osipenko Leads The Gong 2023 R...

Osipenko Leads The Gong 2023 Race Field & Betting

The Chris Waller-trained Pierro four-year-old Osipenko is firm favourite in...

2023 Railway Stakes Field ...

2023 Railway Stakes Field & Betting Update: Tuvalu Narrow Favourite

The Lindsey Smith-trained top-weight Tuvalu is narrow favourite in the latest...

Horse Racing Today

2024 The Galaxy Results: Zapat...

Golden Slipper Results 2024: L...

Golden Slipper Results 2024: Lady Of Camelot Beats Coleman, Storm Boy Third

Co-trainer Gai Waterhouse extended her record to eight victories in the 2024...

2024 George Ryder Stakes Winne...

2024 George Ryder Stakes Winner Veight Beats Older Rivals

Veight joined an elite list of three-year-olds to beat home the older horses...

Rosehill Guineas 2024 Results:...

Rosehill Guineas 2024 Results: Riff Rocket Flies Home Late Ahead of ATC Derby

Chris Waller’s VRC Derby winner from the spring, Riff Rocket, now has the...

2024 Ranvet Stakes Results: Vi...

2024 Ranvet Stakes Results: Via Sistina Too Good Debuting for Waller

Yu Long Investments lucrative European purchase, the now Chris Waller-trained...

Race Results

2024 The Galaxy Results: Zapateo Upsets Sunshine In Paris

Golden Slipper Results 2024: Lady Of Camelot Beats Coleman, Storm Boy Third

Imperatriz Defends Title in 2024 William Reid Stakes

2024 George Ryder Stakes Winner Veight Beats Older Rivals

Rosehill Guineas 2024 Results: Riff Rocket Flies Home Late Ahead of ATC Derby

Race Previews

UK Raider Post Impressionist Heads Tancred Stakes Field & Odds

2024 Australian Cup Field & Betting Update: Pride Of Jenni v Mr Brightside

Golden Slipper 2024 Tips & Betting Update

The Galaxy 2024 Race Field & Odds: Ozzmosis Leads Betting on Slipper Day Sprint

2024 Rosehill Guineas Field & Betting Update: Riff Rocket Set to Take Off

Fields & Form

UK Raider Post Impressionist Heads Tancred Stakes Field & Odds

2024 Australian Cup Field & Betting Update: Pride Of Jenni v Mr Brightside

Golden Slipper 2024 Tips & Betting Update

The Galaxy 2024 Race Field & Odds: Ozzmosis Leads Betting on Slipper Day Sprint

2024 Rosehill Guineas Field & Betting Update: Riff Rocket Set to Take Off