Houlahan wants a spot on Racing Vic board

Retiring trainer Fran Houlahan says she would dearly love a place on Racing Victoria’s board.

Houlahan announced on Saturday she and her husband Brian Johnston would retire at the end of the season.

The decision ends a 37-year training career for Houlahan, who is already considering her next job in racing.

“In my life in racing I’ve held every position bar steward I think,” Houlahan told RSN on Monday.

“I’ve been a jockey, a strapper, a farmer, a trainer, owner-trainer, punter, clerk of the course – I’ve done pretty much everything in the job.

“Long-term if I could possibly be on the board of RV I would dearly love to do that.”

Houlahan, who has been outspoken on a range of racing issues, said she would like to see greater consultation in the industry.

“I don’t think there’s ever been a proper industry person on the board,” Houlahan said.

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“There’s been people with racing interests but there’s never been people that have lived it.”

She said whip rules were one example of a change which lacked consultation.

“Anybody that you asked in the industry knew that it couldn’t work,” Houlahan said.

“I think a lot of times those considerations aren’t taken into account.

“I would like to help in some way to make the industry better because I think we can do it better.”

Houlahan, who is the daughter of legendary jumps trainer Jim Houlahan, said star jumper Pentiffic was a highlight for the husband and wife training partnership.

And the family dynasty is set to continue when Houlahan and Johnston’s horses head to daughter Amy Johnston’s stable.

“I don’t know what sort of owners her parents will make,” Houlahan said.

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