Saranne Cooke appointed as Racing NSW chair

Dr Saranne Cooke is the new chair of Racing NSW, appointed by New South Wales Racing Minister David Harris to fill the role left vacant by Russell Balding’s exit in December.

Dr Cooke has been deputy chair of Racing NSW since 2021 and has been on the board since 2015. She becomes the first woman to be appointed as chair.     

“Dr Cooke is the perfect choice for the role, with the leadership skills needed to navigate the challenging economic headwinds facing the racing industry,” Minister Harris said in a statement.

“The NSW Government is committed to ensuring NSW remains the leading state for thoroughbred racing and a successful Board is essential to that goal.”

Meanwhile, former Racing Minister Kevin Greene has been selected to come back on to the board, assuming the ordinary board position left by Balding, having previously served between 2011 and 2018.

“Mr Greene has extensive experience in racing policy and governance at the highest level. He will make a valuable contribution to the Board,” Harris said. 

“I look forward to the Board working together to protect and enhance this important industry that delivers jobs and opportunities for communities right across NSW.” 

“I would like to thank those involved in the selection process and those who put their names forward for the roles.”

The selection process for Balding’s replacement drew political scrutiny after it was revealed in The Straight that a three-person selection panel appointed by the Minister included John Dumesny, a ‘lifelong friend’ of Racing NSW CEO Peter V’landys.

V’landys’ ‘lifelong friend’ on panel to help select Racing NSW chair

UPDATED: John Dumesny, once described as a ‘lifelong friend’ of Peter V’landys, is a member of the three-person panel appointed to help choose the next chairman of Racing NSW.

The StraightBren O’Brien

Minister Harris never formally confirmed that Dumesny was part of the selection panel but did tell NSW parliamentary estimates last week that it wouldn’t necessarily be a conflict of interest as V’landys was not under consideration for selection.

At the same hearing, the legitimacy of the extension of Cooke’s tenure on the board was questioned by Leader of the Opposition in the Upper House, Damien Tudehope, who suggested that under the Racing Act, she may not have been reappointed correctly.

Minister Harris said his advice said the correct process had been followed.

‘It’s not necessarily a conflict’ – Racing minister grilled over Racing NSW board questions

NSW Racing Minister David Harris has faced fresh scrutiny over a controversial selection process to fill the vacancy on the Racing NSW board and his “hands-off” approach to the controversial Rosehill proposal.

The StraightBren O’Brien

The confirmation of Cooke as the next leader of the board comes nearly three months after the Minns government abandoned its plans to re-appoint Balding to the role for another term.

It had introduced legislation to retain Balding on the board and as chair for another two years but Harris pulled that legislation at the last moment after amendments were added which would have added greater scrutiny on Racing NSW’s operations.

Dr Cooke’s appointment comes as Racing NSW is currently involved in two significant legal battles. The most high-profile is one involving the other state-based racing jurisdictions over allegations that plans were made to set-up a new national racing body.

The other is with wagering partner Tabcorp over what is claimed to be a breach of contract regarding promotion of NSW racing.