Racing Australia Annual Report 2019

RACING AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | 7 CHAIRMAN’S REPORT Photo: Courtesy of Racing Photos. The goodwill and collaboration of our Principal Racing Authorities is an essential ingredient if Racing Australia is to fulfil the aspiration of global leader. In thanking my fellow Directors and the Racing Australia executive and staff, I would like to convey a special tribute to my predecessor as Chairman of Racing Australia, Frances Nelson QC. Frances’ legacy is unquestionably the significant contribution and leadership within a working party entrusted with the modernisation of the governance and financial model of the International Federation of Horse Racing Authorities. I know that without her candour and strong encouragement, the working party would not have progressed to the extent that it has. I would also like to extend the Board’s profound gratitude to Dean Cooper who resigned as the Canberra Racing Club, TasRacing and Thoroughbred Racing NT nominated Director in April 2019. Fortuitously, Dean is ever present in a recently appointed role as an independent member of the Chairmen of Stewards Committee (COSC). I am pleased to add that Ian Mackay, Chairman of the Canberra Racing Club, has assumed this important role. On behalf of the Board I would also like to acknowledge and convey our gratitude to Chief Executive Officer Barry O’Farrell and Operations Chief Executive Officer Myles Foreman for successfully managing the company during the year. Finally, I would like to thank all of the Racing Australia staff for their enthusiasm, commitment and passion, without whom our transition to best of breed in terms of delivering world class service to the Thoroughbred racing and breeding industries right across Australia would not be realised. Greg Nichols Chairman