Munz joins MRC committee as Fullarton wins permanent CEO gig

Influential racing figure Jonathan Munz has joined the Melbourne Racing Club committee man as vice-chairman, while Tanya Fullarton has been appointed Chief Executive Officer on a permanent basis.

Newly appointed MRC chairman Cameron Fisher confirmed the appointment on Munz and Fullarton on Friday.

It comes just three weeks after the sudden departure of previous chairman John Kanga, and four months after the previous CEO Tom Reilly left the club suddenly.

Munz, who has been a long-term powerbroker in Victorian racing, chiefly through his chairmanship of the Thoroughbred Racehorse Owners Association (TROA), fills the gap on the committee left by Kanga, who left after a series of articles on his background appeared in the media.

Fullarton, who had been a long-time board member and executive officer at TROA, was initially appointed as MRC’s chief operations officer in June.

A disagreement over how that appointment was handled is believed to be one of the reasons for the falling out between Kanga and Reilly.

Kanga had initially planned to fill the role of executive chairman, but when that was ruled out, Fullarton stepped in as acting CEO. That become permanent on Friday.

“Tanya has done an exceptional job over the past four months, leading the Club through one of its most successful Caulfield Cup Carnivals in years – with huge crowds across all three days, corporate hospitality at capacity and the Caulfield Cup itself a sell-out,” Fisher said.

“This success was the result of an outstanding team effort, and I want to acknowledge and thank all MRC staff for their professionalism, energy and commitment in delivering such a memorable carnival for our members, partners and racegoers.”

“She brings deep racing experience, strong commercial capability and genuine connection with members, participants and partners.”

Fullarton said she was focused on the building for the future, rather than the turmoil of recent months.

“The MRC is an incredible organisation with passionate members, dedicated staff and a deep community connection,” Fullarton said.

“My focus is on growing membership, enhancing race day experiences and ensuring the club continues to innovate and make a positive contribution to the industry.”

While Fullarton’s appointment was largely expected, the elevation of Munz to the committee was more surprising. The successful businessman has tended to maintain a background presence in Victorian racing.

In February last year, as head of TROA, he led the charge to spill the Racing Victoria board and called for the sacking of then-chief executive Andrew Jones. The board spill may have failed, but Jones departed in April of that year.

Munz forms part of a 10-person committee and has been immediately appointed vice-chairman.

“Having someone of Jonathan’s calibre join the committee is a tremendous benefit for the club. He is one of Australia’s most successful and respected business persons and a leading owner and breeder, and brings expertise at the highest level across business management, finance, property and racing,” Fisher said.

“He has made a significant contribution to horse racing, as a leading owner and breeder and through his longtime advocacy as chairman of TROA and enjoys deep relationships and connections across the racing industry, both in Australia and internationally.”

The MRC, which has built itself into Australia’s richest race club, chiefly via its hospitality and gaming interests, has undergone an extraordinary period of change over the past two years, with just one committee member and one executive remaining from June 2023.  

“Both Jonathan and Tanya are widely respected for their professionalism, integrity and contribution to the industry, and will help position the MRC for continued success,” Fisher said.

Munz, who built his wealth through plumbing supplies company Reliance Worldwide Corporation, has extensive breeding and racing interests through GSA Bloodstock and Pinecliff Racing.  

“The new MRC board, led by John Kanga and now by Cameron Fisher, has done an excellent job, saving racing at Sandown, returning the Caulfield mounting yard to its rightful place, abandoning plans for an unnecessarily costly new Caulfield grandstand and moving quickly to reduce debt,” Munz said.

“They have also done a great job for members, racegoers and participants and I’m pleased to support Cameron, Tanya and the committee in continuing that work.

“The club has a strong platform for growth, and I’m looking forward to helping ensure its continued success and contribution to the wider industry.”