Josh Blanksby to step down at MRC

A day after the Victoria Racing Club announced their new Chief Executive Officer, a search is set to begin at the Melbourne Racing Club.

Josh Blanksby, who has held the position of CEO at the MRC for the past 10 years, will quit his post on August 31.

It is unclear where Blanksby will head.

Blanksy had been a driver of Caulfield’s masterplan which has seen the MRC secure a longterm 65-year lease of the Racecourse along with extensive renovations of the racing precinct, in particular the new mounting yard and horse stalls.

Last week, the MRC was given the go-ahead to replace the Sir Rupert Clarke Stand with a new pavilion.

Blanksby said his tenure at the MRC had been fantastic which included expanding the Club’s gaming portfolio which ensure profits are directed into racing and innovating the racing offering for its members and customers.

“Our balance sheet and underlying business performance are strong and the current property rezoning processes will result in the Club having further strength and optionality,” Blanksby said.

“I am most thankful for the life-long relationships I have formed with many people across racing and most importantly our wonderful staff at the Club.

“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.

“I look forward to working with the Committee and our Executive over the next three months to assist with the transition to a new leader.”

On Monday the VRC announced Kylie Rogers would take over as CEO from September 1 after current CEO Steve Rosich announced he was stepping down in April.