Australian Turf Club chairman Laurie Macri will step down at a special board meeting next week.
Macri has been a board member of the Sydney Turf Club and the ATC since 2010, but believes it is time to step aside and allow a transition period for a new chair and vice-chair, who will be elected on Tuesday.
Making way: Chairman of the Australian Turf Club, Laurie Macri
"It has been a great privilege to serve two four-year terms as an independent Director of ATC, including the past two years as Chairman. But now is the right time for succession planning and a transition to allow others to lead the ATC," he wrote to ATC members.
"I will remain as a director for as long as I am required before my term expires later this year. As I retire as chairman, I have great confidence in the board and the executive team of the ATC.
"It has been an honour to work with so many people and I pay tribute to former ATC Chairmen John Cornish and Michael Crismale."
Macri has led the ATC through change and the creation of The Everest, particularly focussing on infrastructure of training track, increases in prizemoney, members’ benefits and raceday experiences."
He thanked Racing NSW Chairman Russell Balding and its chief executive Peter V’Landys for their support during the past couple of years.
"Their leadership of the industry and the strong alignment ATC and Racing NSW have established is the major reason behind the success of Sydney racing," he wrote. "It has allowed our partnerships with TABCORP, Sky Racing and the broader industry to flourish.
"I thank our Minister for Racing Paul Toole for his support of our racing and ATC.
"Most importantly, I have great confidence in the ATC management team we have built, as our new CEO in Jamie Barkley prepares to start work.
"I am proud to say the management team of the ATC is at least the equal of anywhere in Australian racing and perhaps the world.
"I once again thank Members for their support and I look forward to enjoying Sydney’s world-class racing for years to come."
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