Melbourne Racing Club Chief Executive resigns

After ten years with the Melbourne Racing Club, Josh Blanksby is stepping down from his position as Chief Executive. The former Betfair Director, Legal and Corporate Affairs announced on Tuesday that his last day on the job will be August 31.  
 
Blanksby is the second major racing boss to step down recently. Victoria Racing Club CEO Steve Rosich resigned from his position in April. His replacement, Kylie Rogers, will take over in September. 

MRC boss resigns 

The Melbourne Racing Club announced on Tuesday that CEO Josh Blanksby provided notice of his resignation.  
 
“Josh Blanksby has provided notice to the MRC Committee of his resignation effective 31 August 2024,” said the MRC statement. 
 
“Mr Blanksby has provided MRC with ten years of leadership and commitment, and has made a significant impact in his seven years as CEO.  
 
“During this period, MRC has seen significant milestones achieved as part of the MRC Masterplan under his stewardship… 
 
“The Club has grown into a multi-faceted business across racing, gaming, property and media and has a balance sheet that is the envy of other sporting clubs in Australia. 
 
“Blanksby has overseen growing membership numbers, premier racing events, successful media rights and newly minted wagering partnership with Sportsbet, all contributing to MRC’s economic contribution to the State of Victoria.” 

Blanksby highlights infrastructure growth 

Blanksby’s resignation comes on the heels of MRC securing a new 65-year lease at the Caulfield Racecourse and the go-ahead to upgrade Caulfield’s Sir Rupert Clarke Stand.  
 
The former CEO was key to highlight these recent achievements and other investments in racing infrastructure during his tenure.  
 
“My ten years at the Melbourne Racing Club have been fantastic,” Blanksby said.  
 
“Being part of the transformation of the Club as we have embarked on the Caulfield Masterplan delivering $160m in infrastructure for the Victorian racing industry” 
 
Blanksby also reflected on growing MRC’s horse racing betting engagement, saying that he was proud of “expanding the Club’s gaming portfolio to ensure profits can be re-directed to racing and innovating the racing offering for our members and customers.” 
 
“I feel the time is right to pass the baton on with the Club in a strong financial position and key infrastructure projects completed allowing it to control its own destiny,” Blanksby concluded. 

Australian racing’s CEO shakeup 

Blanksby is the second major metropolitan racing boss to step down in three months.  
 
Steve Rosich, Racing Victoria CEO, announced his resignation back in April. Like Blanksby, Rosich will not officially leave until later this year.  
 
Racing Victoria announced that Kylie Rogers, a former AFL executive, will take over for Rosich in September.  
 
Blanksby’s replacement has yet to be announced. Nor has his next position. Many expect Blanksby will be the next CEO of Tabcorp.