John Messara Appointed Independent Director and Chair of Racing Australia

Media Release - Monday May 31

John Messara AM was today unanimously appointed by the Directors of Racing Australia as an Independent Director and elected as Chair of Racing Australia, replacing Greg Nichols whose term as Chair concluded in April 2021.

The Constitution of Racing Australia allows for the appointment of an Independent Director in addition to the Directors nominated by each of the Principal Racing Authorities. This is the first time that an Independent Director has been appointed since the establishment of Racing Australia.

John Messara brings to the role a long record of dynamic leadership in Australian thoroughbred breeding, racing and administration. Earlier this month he was inducted into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame as an Associate, recognising his achievements as the founder and owner of Arrowfield Stud, and his industry service in several roles, including as the Chairman of Racing New South Wales from 2011–16, and as the inaugural Chair of Racing Australia from 2014–16. 

Speaking upon his appointment, John Messara thanked the Directors for the opportunity and responsibility to continue the work of Racing Australia as Chair, and paid tribute to Greg Nichols, who remains on the Board as a Director. “Greg has made an outstanding contribution as Chairman, particularly over the last 16 months dealing with the many challenges our industry has faced due to the direct and indirect impacts of COVID-19”.

“After more than four years away from administration, I can see how much more our industry can achieve with strong interstate relationships and collaboration. I look forward to working with all the Principal Racing Authorities, the Directors and Racing Australia’s Executive for the benefit of everyone who works and invests in the Australian thoroughbred industry”.

The Racing Australia Board will meet in mid-July and in the meantime will continue to deliver key industry services and leadership across its Breeding and Racing operations.

Advertisment
More Reading...
Almanzor Mare Chasing More Black Type
Group Two performer Mary Shan will be in search of an elusive stakes victory when she heads south to Hawera on Saturday where she will contest the Gr.3 Grangewilliam Stud Breeders’ Stakes (1400m).
Godolphin’s Lonhro Filly Proficient On Debut
From the penultimate crop of Darley’s Champion Sire Lonhro, the Ben, Will and JD Hayes trained 3yo filly Proficient started the race favourite, winning the Sportsbet Race Previews Plate (1000m) at Sandown Hillside in a fighting finish. 
Bryce Bevan Appointed Head of Digital at Magic Millions
Magic Millions' commitment to conduct online thoroughbred auctions has received a huge boost with today's announcement that Bryce Bevan has been appointed as Head of Digital.
Kiwi Raider Pier Upbeat Ahead of Epsom
Co-trainer and part-owner Darryn Weatherley is taking a glass half full approach ahead of Saturday’s Gr.1 Epsom Handicap (1600m) after he came up with an awkward wide gate for Pier.
420k NZ Ready to Run Purchase Looks the Goods
Progressive three-year-old Sulek notched his first victory when landing the MRC Foundation Pin & Win Plate (1400m) at Sandown on Wednesday for trainer Dominic Sutton.
2025 G1 The Metropolitan Field and Barrier Draw
Chris Waller and Ciaron Maher are set to have half of the Group I Metropolitan field between them with the Waller trained Birdman an easing favourite after drawing a wide gate for Saturday’s race.
Promising Victory For Too Darn Hot’s Ripley
Racing in the same Qatar Bloodstock coloured silks worn to victory on Friday night by West of Swindon (Wootton Bassett) in the Group 2 Stutt Stakes, 3yo Too Darn Hot colt Ripley highlighted his future potential with a two-length maiden victory at Rosehill on Wednesday.
Sires With Winners - Tuesday September 30
Here is the full list of 27 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Swettenham Stud Delighted with Lofty Strike Foals
Swettenham Stud are delighted with the growing buzz of excitement surrounding the first foals for young gun sire Lofty Strike.
Magic Trials at Caulfield Heath
Early season two-year-olds will step out this Thursday, 2 October, at the Caulfield Spring Trials presented by Magic Millions, with 800m 2YO heats following the opening trial for Group performers at 7:30am on the Caulfield Heath.