John Kanga Resigns As MRC Chair

[Wandering Eyes]

by TTR AusNZ

John Kanga, chair of the board of Melbourne Racing Club (MRC), has resigned, MRC announced on Friday.

In a statement on the club website, Kanga said, “In recent weeks there has been a series of public attacks directed at me personally. While I completely reject the nature and accuracy of those attacks, I do not want them to distract from the Club, its members, or the excitement of the Caulfield Cup Carnival.

“My decision to step aside is about putting the interests of the Club and the broader racing industry ahead of my own. The MRC is bigger than any one individual, and I want to ensure the focus remains where it belongs – on racing, our members, staff, and delivering a world-class Spring Carnival.”

Kanga was appointed MRC chair in October 2024, after a battle for the leadership role created by the potential sale of Sandown racecourse. He had been on the board for two years at that point.

“It has been a privilege to lead the Melbourne Racing Club and to work alongside so many dedicated people who care deeply about racing,” the statement continued.

“We successfully secured the future of Sandown Racecourse, ensuring it remains a vital part of Victorian racing; we restored the Caulfield mounting yard to its rightful place at the heart of the course; and we saved more than A$250 million by halting an unnecessary proposed grandstand redevelopment and delivering a more practical, member-focused plan for Caulfield's future.

“Under my leadership, the Club has also strengthened its financial position–moving decisively to reduce debt and move forward with renewed commercial confidence.

“The Club is in a strong position for the future, with outstanding leadership and a talented team across all levels. I wish the Committee, our members, and our staff every success in the years ahead.”

Following the announcement of Kanga's departure, The Age published an article outlining their findings on Kanga's financial history and his association with a cocaine trafficking case in 2014.

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