MRC Committee Returned Unopposed

Media Release - Tuesday September 9

The Melbourne Racing Club (MRC) has confirmed the results of the 2025 nominations for the MRC Executive Committee and the Mornington Advisory Group (MAG), which will be formally ratified at the Club’s Annual General Meeting on 25 September.

For the MRC Executive Committee, three existing members John Kanga, Alison Saville and Frank Pollio re-nominated and where duly re-appointed. As no further nominations were received, no ballot was required.

John Kanga pictured with Gai Waterhouse.

For the Mornington Advisory Group, four positions were up for election. The confirmed nominees being Stephen Foster (re-appointed), Stephen Conley (re-appointed), David Gambell (new) and Sally Jarvis (new).

MRC Chairman John Kanga congratulated the re-elected and newly appointed members, saying the outcome reflected the strength of the Club’s leadership.

“I congratulate my colleagues Alison Saville and Frank Pollio on joining me in re-election to the Executive Committee. Their experience and deep commitment to the Club have been instrumental in driving our recent successes, and I look forward to building on that momentum together,” Mr Kanga said.

Advertisement

“At the same time, I warmly welcome new MAG members David Gambell and Sally Jarvis alongside the re-appointment of Stephen Foster and Stephen Conley. Their combined skills, insights and passion for racing will help strengthen our engagement with members and the community, particularly in Mornington.”

Mr Kanga said that the MRC Committee had delivered on a number of important policy changes for the benefit of members and the racing industry.

“We have saved racing at Sandown, reinstated the Caulfield Mounting Yard to its rightful place in front of the winning post, and halted an unnecessary $240 million grandstand at Caulfield. We have also negotiated a $195 million sale of excess land to eliminate debt and re-invest in racing, while introducing more affordable food, beverage, admission pricing and memberships, and prioritising participants and owners,” Mr Kanga said.

“Our job is not finished, and we will continue to ensure that the MRC remains financially strong, with an ongoing focus on the needs of members, participants and racing enthusiasts.”

Advertisment
More Reading...
Impressive First Foals for Don Corleone
The first son of outstanding sire Extreme Choice to find his way to Queensland, Group I performer Don Corleone proved very popular with breeders last spring covering 133 mares at Eureka Stud and his first foals are exactly what you might hope for.
New G1 Winner for Wootton Bassett
Back in Australia for another season at Coolmore, Wootton Bassett (GB) was expected to get a 3YO Group I winner in France on Sunday, but the horse that got the job done was not the one punters expected.
Vale, Ryan Smith
Victorian breeding farm Kulani Park are mourning the loss of partner and family member Ryan Smith.
$3.3million Gun Runner Colt Tops Keeneland September Day 1
Keeneland’s 2025 September Yearling Sale began Monday with double-digit gains while posting a record average price of $653,208 and selling 15 horses for $1 million or more led by a colt by Gun Runner for $3.3 million to M.V. Magnier and Peter Brant’s White Birch Farm. The average topped the previous record $611,038 for a single session set during Day 2 in 2024, and the number of seven-
Sires With Winners - Monday September 8
Here is the full list of 18 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
G1 Manikato Next for Alabama Lass
New Zealand sprinter Alabama Lass will press on for a tilt at the Gr.1 Manikato Stakes (1200m) at The Valley later this month following her runner-up effort in the Gr.1 Moir Stakes (1000m) at the Melbourne track last Saturday.
Kiwi Cup Hopeful Headed to Melbourne
Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) hopeful Wolfgang will fly to Melbourne on Wednesday to commence his path towards the A$10 million feature.
Tragic News from Milburn Creek – Vale, Secret Admirer
Spring brings so many foaling stories from our studs each year and while the majority have a happy ending, sometimes things sadly don’t go as planned.
Waller Army Leads Cox Plate First Acceptances
Defending champion Via Sistina is among 21 horses champion trainer Chris Waller still has in contention for the $6 million 2025 Ladbrokes Cox Plate, following the closure of first acceptances on Tuesday.
Sires With Winners - Tuesday September 9
Here is the full list of 28 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.