Queensland wagering identity Karl deKroo unveiled as new Brisbane Racing Club boss
Karl deKroo has been at the forefront of Ladbrokes’ march into Queensland and will now take over the reins at the Brisbane Racing Club at a pivotal time for the state’s premier racing product.
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By Trenton Akers and Ben Dorries
Wagering identity Karl deKroo will take charge at the Brisbane Racing Club at a pivotal time for the organisation.
The former sports boss of The Courier-Mail, who has since headed up Ladbrokes’ charge into Queensland, was appointed to the role on Thursday afternoon beating out more than 120 candidates following Tony Partridge’s resignation in July.
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DeKroo was appointed as Entain Group’s executive director of stakeholder engagement five years ago, when the company was headed up by now Racing Queensland chief executive Jason Scott.
The BRC was the first Queensland club to align with a corporate bookmaker outside of TAB in 2022, where deKroo has played a pivotal role in their partnership.
He is widely respected and liked in club land and has fostered wagering partnerships with racing clubs across the country.
As the club pushes for government funding for a new grandstand, deKroo joins at an important time, with chairman Neville Bell widely speculated to be stepping down from his role in the coming months.
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“I am delighted to be joining the Brisbane Racing Club at a crucial juncture in its history,” deKroo said.
“It is going to be an exciting period as Queensland rides a wave of momentum and growth in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympics.
“I am a passionate horse racing fan, keen casual punter and a luckless but committed owner.
“I am committed to preserving and enhancing the sport and ensuring that the BRC remains at the forefront of the industry both in Australia and internationally.”
DeKroo will begin the role on November 28.
Originally published as Queensland wagering identity Karl deKroo unveiled as new Brisbane Racing Club boss
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