John Messara has been unanimously appointed by the Directors of Racing Australia as an Independent Director and elected as Chair of Racing Australia.
A media release by Racing Australia, in part, reads: “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.’
Messara replaces Greg Nichols whose term as Chair concluded in April 2021. Nichols remains on the Board as a Director.
In a sweeping statement after being appointed Messara said, “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”. Messara said.
That’s a laudable aim, but Messara will know as well as anybody that the intent to establish ‘strong interstate relationships and collaboration’ is easier said than done.
The great divide between Racing NSW and Racing Victoria as to how racing should move forward in each state is a matter of record and, on the surface at least, it also certainly appears that there is no love lost between these two racing authorities.
Their difference of opinion and combative attitude means Messara will probably have to work hard on improving that relationship before any collaboration … such as avoiding big race date conflicts … could come into play.
That is a two-part challenge which will certainly test the mediating capabilities of the new Chairman of Racing Australia.
Messara certainly has the proven racing business expertise to tackle the job, but it could be a long, hard haul to bring his stated aim to fruition.
Amongst other things Messara will also have to deal with the whip issue where divisions between states and between some racing authorities and racing stakeholders could not be more at odds with each other.
In a show of the type of non-unity that Messara is trying to eliminate Racing Victoria has continually threatened to push ahead independently with their own version of whip reform irrespective of other jurisdictions viewpoints and their stated opposition to unilateral reforms.
The industry has been waiting for some time for a Racing Australia announcement on possible whip reform. In order to clear up this volatile matter the best it can at this stage, that announcement has to come sooner rather than later.
And, of course, there are more things Messara will have on his plate.
Whether Messara will prove to be racing’s messiah in terms of establishing a level of unity that will serve the best interests of the entire industry remains to be seen.
You would expect him to be quick out of the gates though.
Some would say there is no time to lose.
