Farley takes the RWWA reins

A woman will lead Racing and Wagering WA for the first time in its 20-year history.

Lawyer Karen Farley has been on the Racing Penalties Appeal Tribunal since 1997, and takes over from Jeff Ovens, who had overseen RWWA since 2013, and been on the organisation's board for more than a decade.

Ms Farley has more than 30 years experience on government and non-government boards and takes the reins ahead of the anticipated sale of the government's wagering entity, the TAB. It's understood negotiations with two bidders are being finalised.

Expressions of interest closed late last year, after the original sale process was interrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“I extend a warm congratulations to Karen Farley on her appointment as chair at an exciting time for the local racing industry," said Racing and Gaming Minister Tony Buti. "Ms Farley has an impressive wealth of experience and knowledge that will be hugely valuable to the work of the board and industry. “I also want to express my sincere gratitude to Jeff Ovens, who has made immense contributions during his time on the RWWA board."

Mr Ovens navigated WA's response to the nationwide greyhound racing scandal in 2015, which exposed the use of live bait to train competition dogs in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria.

“During his tenure, the strong performance of the TAB and creation of wider revenue streams has led to a robust and successful racing sector in WA," Mr Buti said.

Ms Farley has been appointed for a three year term from August 1.