McLachlan’s likely ascent just part of the puzzle for Racing Victoria

Former AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan may be the man most likely to be appointed the next chairman of Racing Victoria, but the battle for the future make-up of the RV board will determine what impact he will be able to have should he fill the role as expected.

Multiple sources have confirmed to The Straight that McLachlan, who wasn’t an initial applicant for the vacant directorship, is likely to assume the chairman’s role.

And while that high-profile appointment will attract plenty of headlines, there are a couple of other major questions that will need to be answered over the coming month.

The first is twofold – how many Racing Victoria board positions will be made vacant and who will fill them? 

The second question pertains to the future of Racing Victoria CEO Andrew Jones and his executive.

On the matter of the board, interim chairman Mike Hirst, whose term was only extended late last year, and long-time board member Greg Nichols, are reportedly set to step down, creating three vacancies in total, given previous chairman Brian Kruger departed last June. 

However, a battleground has developed over a further refresh, with the potential for an additional two vacant board positions to be used as a bargaining chip with those parties who have previously voiced their desire for change.

RV board membership is ultimately determined by the Victorian Racing Minister Anthony Carbines from those who applied for the roles. 

With additional vacancies now likely, and given McLachlan was not originally an applicant for the role left vacant by Kruger, the government may have to re-open expressions of interest.

It is believed that while McLachlan would be seen as an acceptable appointment as chairman to those demanding change, he was not the preferred option.

Over the past six months, industry groups and clubs, led by the Thoroughbred Racehorse Owners’ Association (TROA), have embarked on a campaign for change at executive level, with TROA chairman Jonathan Munz calling for RV CEO Jones to be sacked in December.

The great divider – Andrew Jones undeterred as he pilots Racing Victoria through leaner times

Despite calls for his resignation, Racing Victoria CEO Andrew Jones is determined to do the job on his own terms.

The StraightBren O’Brien

Attention has also turned to demanding change on the RV Board, forcing RV to convene a Special General Meeting on February 28. 

RV confirmed the date of that meeting at the weekend, while it also took the extraordinary step of pre-supposing its outcome in a media statement.   

“The Metropolitan Clubs and Country Racing Victoria, as well as other key stakeholders, have advised RV that they have rejected this unwarranted action,” the statement released by RV read.

“They have also advised RV that they support the existing process in which the Minister for Racing appoints directors to fill vacancies on the RV board.”

“RV is aware that the action taken by TROA is not supported by the state government, which appointed the board, and is a needless distraction for the industry.”

The futures of Jones and several of his executive team is another key issue that will need to be resolved.

The Straight understands that several key groups remain opposed to Jones staying in the chief executive role.

While it is not yet known what impact a change in the board leadership may have on the future make-up of the executive, the new board would be left with two options.

The first would be to accede to the demands of the participant groups and make executive change, while the second is to persist with Jones, who has held the role since mid-2022.

There is also a possibility that the existing board could make a call on Jones and his executive before the new-look RV board takes up its position.