Ballarat Turf Club searching for CEO after Downs’ sudden resignation

Ballarat Turf Club is searching for a new chief executive after the sudden departure of Peter Downs 18 months after he was appointed to the role.

The circumstances surrounding Downs’ resignation have not been made public, but the club has already begun advertising for his replacement.  

“This is a rare opportunity to lead a respected regional organisation with strong community ties, quality infrastructure and a significant role within Victorian racing,” the ad, which appeared on Seek.com.au, over the weekend, reads.

“The position offers genuine scope to make an impact, strengthen the club’s foundations and shape its future direction.”

Dannielle James, the BTC’s vice chairman, is handling the recruitment process.  

Downs’ departure was first reported in the Ballarat Courier last Friday.

BTC chairman Bill Gribble confirmed the news in a message to members.

“We wish to advise that Peter Downs has tendered his resignation as CEO of the Ballarat Turf Club, effective immediately,” the email said.

“We thank Peter for his contribution to the club and wish him all the very best for the future.

“The committee will commence the recruitment process of a new CEO immediately.”

“In the interim, Leigh Newton, regional services manager with Country Racing Victoria, will step into the role in a caretaker CEO capacity.”

Downs was appointed to the role in July 2024, replacing Belinda Glass, and begun his tenure in September of that year.

It marked a return to the industry after he left the Australian Turf Club in March 2024 to work for a business in Mackay, Queensland.

He was the boss of the Warrnambool Race Club from 2015 to 2019, then served as general manager of racing at the Moonee Valley Racing Club for 12 months.

He then spent three years at the ATC as general manager of racing services.