Melbourne Racing Club chairman Matthew Cain retires

Melbourne Racing Club chairman Matthew Cain has confirmed his retirement after 15 years on the board.

MRC chairman Matt Cain set to retire. Picture: Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images

Melbourne Racing Club chairman Matthew Cain has confirmed his retirement after 15 years on the board.

Cain’s term, set to expire next month, included six years as treasurer and the past two years as chairman.

• Caulfield Cup, Cox Plate nominations: Appleby eyes spring carnival return

“I will be leaving the Melbourne Racing Club in a strong financial position, with the largest net assets standing of any race club in Australia and having overseen significant progress in our Caulfield masterplan including the creation of a major new event space, a new mounting yard, day stalls and pre-parade ring, and the proposed development of a new grand pavilion at Caulfield,” Cain said.

“Another significant achievement is the unveiling of the Caulfield Heath track which will enable Caulfield Racecourse to host up to 45 race meetings and facilitate the prospect of night racing at our premier venue.”

Cain thanked MRC predecessors, mentors and colleagues in a statement on Wednesday.

He said it was appropriate the next chairman drove the process to determine the MRC’s new chief executive, following the resignation of Josh Blanksby.

• Spring preview: Moody reveals target races for stable stars

“I am confident the next chair will have the support of the committee and MRC members to continue driving the vital next stages of our redevelopment at Caulfield,” Cain said.

Cain and Blanksby will oversee their last Caulfield meeting on August 31 - Group 1 Memsie Stakes Day.

Originally published as Melbourne Racing Club chairman Matthew Cain retires