Melbourne Racing Club chief executive Josh Blanksby has resigned, saying he leaves his tenure with the club in a “strong financial position”.
Blanksby, who has worked at the MRC for 10 years, including the past seven as chief executive, has given his notice of resignation to the club’s committee.
He will step down at the start of the Victorian spring carnival on August 31.
“I feel the time is right to pass the baton on with the club in a strong financial position and key infrastructure projects completed allowing it to control its own destiny,” Blanksby said in an MRC statement.
“I look forward to working with the committee and our executive over the next three months to assist with the transition to a new leader.
“I wish the committee and staff of the MRC the best of luck into the future and thank everyone for their support throughout my time.”
Blanksby’s resignation continues a turbulent period in the administration of Victorian racing.
Racing Victoria boss Andrew Jones and Victoria Racing Club chief executive Steve Rosich have also quit in the past three months.
The VRC announced on Monday that AFL executive Kylie Rogers would become the club’s first female chief executive.
RV has yet to name Jones’s successor as Aaron Morrison continues in an interim role.
Bren O’Brien
Blanksby’s decision comes as the MRC presses on with the next stage of a master plan for its Caulfield racecourse precinct.
Plans for a $250 million grand pavilion were approved at state government level last week.
The redevelopment will involve the demolition of the Rupert Clarke grandstand with work to start in 2026 at the earliest.
His departure also coincides with an ongoing debate over the future of the MRC’s racecourse at Sandown.
The MRC says it doesn’t have to sell Sandown to fund the Caulfield masterplan, but it has already rejected a proposal to partially sell off land surrounding the racetrack.
Warwick Barr
A members’ vote on the fate of Sandown isn’t expected to be held until next year.
A lobby group opposed to the sale insists the MRC needs to sell Sandown to fund a new grandstand for Caulfield.
“My ten years at the Melbourne Racing Club have been fantastic; being part of the transformation of the club as we have embarked on the Caulfield master plan,” Blanksby said.
“Our balance sheet and underlying business performance are strong and the current property rezoning processes will result in the club having further strength and optionality.”
“Our balance sheet and underlying business performance are strong and the current property rezoning processes will result in the club having further strength and optionality." - Josh Blanskby
MRC chairman Matthew Cain said Blanksby had put the club “in a very healthy position”.
“On behalf of the committee, I would like to thank Josh for his outstanding leadership and stellar contributions to the club. Josh’s unwavering vision for the future made him an exceptional leader at MRC,” Cain said.
“During his tenure, the club has achieved significant milestones, including delivery of the first phase of our Caulfield Masterplan, negotiated the most significant partnership in the club’s history with Sportsbet, and heralded innovation within the racing media rights landscape.”
“The Club is in a very healthy position due to Josh’s dedication and strategic decision making and we thank him for the remarkable outcomes we have collectively achieved.
“We wish Josh continued success with his future endeavours.”
