Long-time Murray Bridge general manager to retire

Murray Bridge Racing Club general manager John Buhagiar will retire at the end of the season after almost 23 years in the role.

Buhagiar, who joined the club in 2003, oversaw a period of significant growth including the relocation to the Gifford Hill site and the development of Murray Bridge as a major training and racing centre.

Under his leadership, the club secured key commercial partnerships and will host 23 race meetings, including seven metropolitan Saturday fixtures, in the 2026-27 season.

The club has appointed former racing media identity James Tzaferis as its new general manager following an international recruitment process, with Tzaferis commencing work in mid-June ahead of Buhagiar’s departure. Tzaferis’ wife Jess, a former jockey, is a trainer based at Murray Bridge.

Club chairman John Leahy said Buhagiar had made a lasting contribution to both the club and the South Australian racing industry.

“John has been an incredible servant of our Club and the South Australian racing industry more broadly for such a long time and I’d like to congratulate him on an amazing career,” Leahy said.

Buhagiar said he was proud of what had been achieved during his tenure and was looking forward to spending more time with his family.

“It is time to give my energy back to those most important to me – my wife, my family and myself,” Buhagiar said.