Racing journalist Nathan Exelby takes reins as new chief executive at Ipswich Turf Club

Former The Courier-Mail racing journalist Nathan Exelby has taken the top job at the Ipswich Turf Club ahead of their biggest day of racing this Saturday.

Nathan Exelby has transitioned from being a racing journalist to the new chief executive of the Ipswich Turf Club. Picture: Tara Croser.

Former racing journalist Nathan Exelby spent a decade covering the Ipswich Cup, and now he gets to make a different impact on the big day as the club’s new chief executive.

Exelby, a former racing editor at The Courier-Mail who had a career of more than two decades in journalism, stepped into the chair at Ipswich following the resignation of Tim Dunn as CEO and club secretary.

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Exelby left The Courier-Mail in 2021, and worked in racing administration at the Brisbane Racing Club, as well as working with racing broadcaster Sky Racing.

Exelby quipped he can’t remember tipping too many Ipswich Cup winners in his time in journalism.

But he is determined to make an impact in his new CEO role, and is proud of the administration team at Ipswich.

“I’ve loved racing since I could walk and I was really privileged to work in the racing media for more than 20 years and have very fond memories of that,” Exelby said.

“But I reached a stage in my life where I wanted to delve into a different part of the industry and racing administration was something I had thought about doing for some time.

“I covered 10 Ipswich Cups for The Courier-Mail and I always found it a really fascinating day. It’s exciting now to be looking at this event from the other side of the fence.

“I’ve been consulting to the club since September last year and I’ve got to know the team at Ipswich really well and it’s a team that I’m proud to be part of.”

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Ipswich Turf Club CEO Nathan Exelby. Picture: Tara Croser.

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Saturday’s Ipswich Cup day is traditionally one of the best attended meetings of the Queensland winter carnival — often the best.

There have been more than 8000 pre sales already for the day and corporate hospitality areas are sold out.

The day also features other Stakes races – the Listed Eye Liner Stakes and Listed Gai Waterhouse Classic.

“Ipswich’s role in the Queensland racing landscape is predominantly we are a product club – we race Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays to provide product for the industry,” Exelby said.

“But Ipswich Cup day is the one big day of the year where the focus really is on Ipswich.

“It’s important not just for the club, but also for Ipswich city and the community who gets behind the event.”

Originally published as Racing journalist Nathan Exelby takes reins as new chief executive at Ipswich Turf Club