Greg Carpenter's assistant David Hegan to assume role as Melbourne Cup handicapper from 2023
The man who will inherit one of the most prestigious jobs in horse racing has been confirmed with Racing Victoria on Monday announcing who will allocate the Melbourne Cup weights in the wake of Greg Carpenter’s departure.
David Hegan, Carpenter’s long-time deputy, will be promoted to the role of Head of Handicapping.
Hegan has been a part of the RV handicapping panel for the past 17 years, including the past six as Carpenter’s deputy.
“Handicapping is a specialist skill and David has had the privilege of learning from and working closely with Greg during his career,” RV chief executive Andrew Jones said.
“He’s perfectly placed to take the step up to Head of Handicapping and it’s great that we can promote from within.”
Hegan will become just the 10th person in the 160-plus-year history of the Melbourne Cup to allocate weights for the world’s most famous handicap race when he assigns the weights for next year’s race.
Carpenter will next Tuesday deliver this year’s weights for this year’s Melbourne Cup and Caulfield Cup before signing off from RV on September and heading to an executive role with the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
This year will be the 18th set of Cup weights delivered by Carpenter, who took over the job from Jim Bowler who was in the position for a record 25 years.
Hegan’s elevation was one of two key announcements by RV on Monday with Matt Welsh unveiled as the new Executive General Manager – Racing.
Welsh, who is General Manager – WSP, Form & Wagering at the Victorian Racing Integrated Media Business, will start with RV later this month.
“We’re unveiling a new look racing team who will drive Victorian racing forward and ensure that our racing continues to be attractive and exciting for fans, punters, and participants,” Jones said.
