Old hand, new chair – Change at the top of Tasracing

Steve Old has been appointed chair of Tasracing, ending months of uncertainty over leadership of Tasmania’s racing body and ushering in a new era at a time of significant change for the industry.

Old, who has served as a Tasracing director and deputy chair since 2022, replaces Gene Phair, whose second and final term expired earlier this year.

His appointment comes after a prolonged period of speculation surrounding the chairmanship, with Phair remaining in the role beyond his term’s expiry while the Tasmanian government considered a replacement.

The transition carries added significance given Phair’s June appointment as chair of Racing NT, a role he is expected to commence later this year.

Old said he was looking forward to working closely with the Tasracing board, staff and industry stakeholders in his new role.

“I am very much looking forward to working with my fellow directors, everyone in the Tasracing team and the broader Tasmanian racing industry in my new capacity as Chair,” he said.

His appointment comes at a critical juncture for Tasmanian racing.

The industry faces the dual challenges of negotiating a new funding deed before the current agreement ends in June 2029 and preparing for the Tasmanian government’s planned cessation of greyhound racing at the same time.

The existing funding arrangement, established following the sale of the Tasmanian Tote in 2009, provides a substantial portion of the industry’s annual revenue and has underpinned racing in the state for almost two decades.

“Tasracing and the industry are set to face and manage some significant issues in the coming years, including finalising a new industry funding deed, which is set to expire in June 2029, and the Tasmanian government’s decision to end greyhound racing at the same time,” Old said.

“Industry sustainability and its future will be top of mind for me and the Board going forward.

“My priority as chair will be to provide the leadership and sound decision-making needed to ensure Tasracing and the industry emerge from my term stronger, more sustainable and well positioned for the future.”

Old takes over after a lengthy period of leadership under Phair, who was first appointed chair in November 2018 and guided the organisation through a period marked by political scrutiny, integrity reforms and major policy debates affecting all three racing codes.

During Phair’s time, there were six separate Tasmanian racing ministers.

The incoming chair is well known in Tasmanian business and sporting circles as chief executive of the Tasmanian Hospitality Association and chair of the NBL’s Tasmania JackJumpers.

His elevation from deputy chair provides continuity for a board that also includes Kelly Walker, Neil Grose, Bart McCulloch, Charlotte Mills and David Higgins.

Old paid tribute to his predecessor’s contribution to the industry.

“He was first appointed to the position in November 2018 and did an outstanding job leading the organisation,” he said.

“I want to thank Gene for the huge amount of work he did for the industry and his dedication to the role over many years.”