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| Staff Writer |
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Melbourne Racing Club has orchestrated a significant leadership change, appointing influential racing figure Tom Reilly as their new chief executive officer, marking a strategic shift in the club's direction.
The former senior journalist and editor, who has masterfully steered Thoroughbred Breeders' Australia and Aushorse for the past decade, brings substantial industry expertise to the role. Reilly's near-miss in the Racing Victoria chief executive recruitment earlier this year highlighted his capabilities in high-profile racing administration.
The MRC's impressive racing calendar features several of Australia's most prestigious races, including the Gr.1 Blue Diamond Stakes, which has seen champions such as Sepoy, Extreme Choice, and Written By emerge victorious in recent years, with many going on to achieve further Group One success.
John Kanga, MRC chairman, expressed enthusiasm about the appointment: "The board is very excited to have Tom lead the team at the MRC. We wanted someone with deep racing knowledge and experience and Tom will bring that to the club."
The club's extensive portfolio, encompassing Caulfield, Sandown and Mornington racecourses, alongside significant hospitality venues, recently secured its financial foundations through a US$130m option agreement with Mount Scopus Memorial College for land west of Caulfield Racecourse.
Reilly, who assumes the role in late January, shared his vision: "It's a great honour to be given this opportunity. The MRC is one of the great race clubs, not just in Australia, but globally. For anyone passionate about the future of racing, then running the MRC is a wonderful opportunity."
The appointment completes a comprehensive three-month board and executive renewal under Kanga's leadership, with immediate focus turning to infrastructure improvements. The club is progressing with plans to reinstate the original mounting yard before the Sir Rupert Clarke Grandstand, scheduled for completion before the Gr.1 Blue Diamond Stakes on February 22.
Kanga emphasised Reilly's appointment aligns with their mission to enhance operational efficiency and member services, while maintaining the club's position as Victoria's most active racing venue.