Racing editor Nathan Exelby farewells the Courier-Mail after 11 years

Courier-Mail racing editor Nathan Exelby reflects on his 11 years covering Queensland racing and reveals the exciting next chapter in his media career.

Racing editor Nathan Exelby is moving on after 11 years at The Courier-Mail. Picture: Tara Croser

Telling the stories of Queensland racing has been part of my life for more than a decade, but now I bid farewell to the Courier Mail and Sunday Mail after 11 years.

I will remain forever grateful to Bart Sinclair and then sports editor Brian Burke for opening the Courier Mail door in 2010, providing a front-row seat as Black Caviar and Winx thrilled the crowds, while local warhorse Buffering flew the Queensland flag nationally and abroad.

It’s fair to say the 11 years coincided with a turbulent time in Queensland racing history, with multiple Racing Queensland administration changes, TAB mergers, the Eagle Farm makeovers and the far-reaching and ongoing ramifications of the MacSporran report.

A touch of sadness to finish up today with @cmail_sport @superracing after 11 years, but I'm very thankful for the privilege. Heartfelt thanks to all the trainers, jockeys, owners and others who have made it such a fantastic ride and to the readers for making it possible.

— Nathan Exelby (@xlbnathan_cmail) February 13, 2021

Pleasingly, there has been stability in recent times and a change in government direction, where it has been prepared to back the industry, most notably through the $75 million Country Racing support program and the $30 million-plus annual commitment off the back of the industry-led Point of Consumption Tax negotiations.

Hopefully that investment continues. And grows.

What has remained constant is the willingness of the overwhelming majority of trainers and jockeys to give their time to help promote the local industry.

Nathan Exelby won’t be lost to the racing industry as he takes up a role with the Brisbane Racing Club and Sky Racing. Picture: Mark Cranitch

As reporters on other sporting rounds often observe, racing is fortunate to be given unfettered access so readily by all of the major players.

Similarly, to the administrators and integrity officials, who I differed in opinions with at times, thank you too.

I am now moving to a new role, still within racing, that being with the Brisbane Racing Club and SKY Racing, where I will be focused on showcasing Queensland metropolitan racing.

But I still look forward to reading the stories of Queensland racing in the pages of the Courier Mail and its online partner Racenet.com.au.

Finally to the readers. Bringing you the stories and news of this wonderful sport has been my great privilege and I thank you for that opportunity.

X factor. You’re a gun and the best racing writer we’ve ever had in white deck shoes, gold chains + Tommy kit. Only CM Racing Ed to tip a Melb Cup winner this century 👏

— Jim Tucker (@HulaBulaJim) February 13, 2021

Nathan, it’s been a privilege working with you over the years. You’re the ultimate professional and it’s an honour to call you a great mate. Congratulations on your outstanding contributions for CM and the very best of luck in your new role.

— Ray Thomas (@RayThomas_1) February 13, 2021

The end of an era. Congratulations mate 👏. It’s no mean feat being able to consistently produce great content over that period of time. Hats off 🎩 and all the best for the next chapter

— Adam Gardini (@AdamGardini) February 13, 2021

Originally published as Racing editor Nathan Exelby farewells the Courier-Mail after 11 years