Former stadiums boss Tony Shepherd has emerged as a leading contender to become the next chairman of Racing NSW.
Shepherd had previously indicated he had no desire to replace long-standing chairman Russell Balding, who was unseated last December when the Minns government abandoned controversial legislation to extend his term.
Former Venues NSW chairman Tony Shepherd is in the mix to become Racing NSW chair.Credit: Dominic Lorrimer
Interim chair Saranne Cooke confirmed last year she was interested in the position, and there has been a strong push from the breeding industry for director Garry Charny, but Shepherd is now also in the mix.
The former WestConnex, Venues NSW and Greater Western Sydney Giants chairman has been a director since January 2017.
While a decision is still months away, a Shepherd appointment would be seen as a significant victory for chief executive Peter V’landys, who has a close relationship with Shepherd, as he did with Balding.
It could also pit Shepherd against former AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan, who is reportedly set to become chairman of Racing Victoria, which Racing NSW is fighting on several fronts.
Peter V’landys and Russell Balding.Credit: Daniel Munoz; Getty
In his role as Giants chairman, Shepherd warned McLachlan about V’landys’ ability when the racing boss was appointed Australian Rugby League Commission chairman in 2019.
“He’s the best administrator in Australia,” Shepherd said of V’landys at the time. “The AFL will be worried about this appointment. I’ve never seen an administrator who gets stuff done like he does.”
Shepherd, who is in Qatar for the AFC Asian Cup, declined to comment. A spokeswoman for racing minister David Harris said expressions of interest in the position had closed.
“The independent panel will now assess the applications before providing a list of eligible candidates for the Minister for Gaming and Racing to consider,” the spokeswoman said. “The selection process is being undertaken in accordance with the Thoroughbred Racing Act 1996. This includes a skills-based assessment by the independent panel, appointed by the Minister. The panel includes members with senior public service and racing industry executive experience.
A new Racing NSW chair will take over at an interesting time with the governing body fighting on multiple fronts, including a court case against Tabcorp, major sponsor of The Everest.Credit: Dion Georgopoulos
“Racing NSW continues to make decisions and function as it normally would during the absence of an appointed chair, with a quorum still in place and the deputy chair presiding at Racing NSW meetings.”
While there is no disputing his credentials as a sporting administrator, Shepherd’s appointment would upset those who called for fresh blood on the Racing NSW board.
It emerged last November that the government would introduce legislation to allow Balding to continue as chair for another two years, pushing his tenure well beyond the maximum 10 for state statutory authorities.
“I implore the premier to override the decision, which is contrary to any norms of good governance,” former Racing NSW chairman and leading breeder John Messara said at the time. “The existing board needs to be refreshed, as do all boards.”
The government pulled the bill from parliament on the final sitting day of the year instead of supporting amendments that would have subjected the sporting body to greater oversight, including by the Auditor-General.
Shepherd, 80, stood down from Venues NSW last year having ushered through dramatic infrastructure upgrades at Moore Park, including the new $849 million Allianz Stadium.
Whoever becomes chair does so with Racing NSW fighting legal battles on two fronts.
It has launched action against Racing Victoria and other racing authorities in Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia and Tasmania over what it alleges was a secret plan to either abolish their power of veto on Racing Australia or set up a new entity without them.
And, as revealed by this masthead last week, Racing NSW has also started proceedings against wagering operator Tabcorp, the major sponsor of its flagship race, The Everest.
It has accused Tabcorp of breaches of contract, including an alleged lack of promotion for some of the state’s major horse races. A directions hearing has been listed for the NSW Supreme Court for Thursday.
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