Ex-AFL chief Gillon McLachlan formally applies to join Racing Victoria ahead of likely chairman move
Gill McLachlan is on the verge of taking over Racing Victoria with the former AFL boss reportedly applying to become director of the state’s racing body.
After stepping down as the head of the AFL after a nine-year stint McLachlan was widely mooted as the next chair of the organisation but had not publicly addressed the speculation.
However, according to the Herald Sun he formally applied to join as director this week and, should he be successful, would then face a vote to take over as chairman of Racing Victoria.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.He would then need to be signed off by Minister for Racing Anthony Carbines.
If McLachlan takes on the position, he will resume his rivalry with NRL chairman, Peter V’landys, who also doubles as Racing NSW’s CEO.
The body has been without a chairman since June with former deputy chair Mike Hirst acting.
Yesterday a government spokesperson said Mr Hirst had “ensured that important corporate knowledge and organisational stability is maintained at Racing Victoria while an open and competitive recruitment process is underway.’’
“We thank Mr Hirst for his ongoing work ensuring Victoria remains the racing capital of the nation, the spokesperson said.
“This recruitment process remains ongoing.’’
Racing Victoria has been under pressure from its powerful stakeholders to change at board level for some time.
At the end of last year, Thoroughbred Racehorse Owners Association chairman Jonathan Munz called for the dismissal of RV’s chief executive Andrew Jones.
