Racing SA has appointed Ryan Stanaway as its new chief operating officer, stepping into the role left vacant by Nick Bawden, who has taken up the position of CEO.
Stanaway arrives at Racing SA from Entain Australia, where he has worked as General Manager of Ownership and Participation, helping spearhead the Ladbrokes Racing Club initiative, while before that he was GM of Commercial Development at the wagering company.
He has also worked for Racing Queensland and Harness Racing Victoria, initially kicking off his racing career as an administrator with Ballarat Turf Club.
Stanaway will relocate from Victoria to take up the role by the end of next month.
“My number one passion is thoroughbreds so the job at Racing SA was a great opportunity to align myself with the code that I love,” he said in a statement.
“For the best part of 15 years I’ve had various experience across the industry with wagering operators - at PRA level and at club level - but fundamentally my first passion is thoroughbreds, and I think Racing SA is in terrific shape with what the organisation has been able to achieve in delivering key elements of the strategic plan in recent times.”
“Those foundation pillars are falling into place regarding prize money boosts, industry sponsorship and the recent purchase of land at Strathalbyn. The foundations are well established and moving in the right direction and I’m excited to be a part of it,” he said.
Stanaway also has hands on experience with thoroughbreds having worked as stablehand for good mate Michael Trotter at Cranbourne.
“I enjoy being around the animal and that gives me a good understanding of the challenges of our participants in our sport,” he said.
Bawden, who assumed the CEO role from Vaughn Lynch, who has now joined Racing Victoria, was delighted to add Stanaway to his executive team.
“We are thrilled to have Ryan join the team and I think it’s great that South Australian racing is attracting such impressive young talent to this state,” he said.
“Along with his passion for thoroughbred racing and wagering knowledge, Ryan is a great cultural fit, and I think the industry will really enjoy having him around.”
