Melbourne Racing Club (MRC) chairman Matthew Cain has announced his retirement, after serving a 15-year tenure on the MRC committee.
During his time as a committee member, Cain served as treasurer for six years, including the last two years as chairman.
“I will be leaving the Melbourne Racing Club in a strong financial position, with the largest net assets standing of any race club in Australia and having overseen significant progress in our Caulfield Masterplan, including the creation of a major new event space, a new mounting yard, day stalls and pre-parade ring, and the proposed development of a new Grand Pavilion at Caulfield,’’ he said.
Reflecting on his time with the club, Cain said it has given him the chance to work with some industry greats.
“I have loved my time on the MRC Committee from the moment I was nominated by the late great Peter Lawrence, who was not only a friend, but a fantastic mentor,” he said.
“I’ve also been privileged to not only work with some great committees over the past 15 years, but also some outstanding and visionary CEOs such as Brodie Arnhold and Josh Blanksby. I would also like to acknowledge former Chairs Peter Young, Mike Symons and Peter Le Grand. It is appropriate that the next Chairman of the MRC drive the process to determine our next CEO.”
He also pointed out that one his other highlights was the unveiling of the Caulfield Heath track.
“[It] will enable Caulfield Racecourse to host up to 45 race meetings and facilitate the prospect of night racing at our premier venue.”
Cain will retire at the club’s annual general meeting in September and will not be seeking re-election in the upcoming MRC election.
“I am confident the next chair will have the support of the Committee and MRC members to continue driving the vital next stages of our redevelopment at Caulfield.”
It comes just as MRC CEO Josh Blanksby announced in June that he will be leaving his post on August 31.
Blanksby, who has been CEO for the last seven years, previously said he felt that the “time is right to pass the baton on with the club in a strong financial position”.
