Gillon McLachlan tight-lipped on Racing Victoria board chairman speculation at Warrnambool May Carnival

There wasn’t a mustard jacket in sight as Gillon McLachlan, the top pick to become Racing Victoria’s new chairman, returned to the Warrnambool carnival for the first time in more than 10 years.

Former AFL boss and Racing Victoria board member in waiting Gillon McLachlan caught up with Anthony Mithen (right) at Warrnambool on Wednesday. Pictures: File, Brad Waters

Former AFL boss Gillon McLachlan joked he finally returned to the Warrnambool May Carnival after a fashion-enforced absence.

Footy pundits had a field day at McLachlan’s expense when he donned an infamous mustard jacket when attending the three-day carnival in 2012.

“I haven’t been able to come back since I wore that mustard jacket,” McLachlan said.

“It ruined me for a decade.”

Gillon McLachlan wears his famous mustard jacket at Warrnambool more than a decade ago.

McLachlan has become the red-hot tip to become Racing Victoria’s new chairman in recent months, since incumbent Mike Hirst announced he would end his tenure this year.

McLachlan appeared in the mounting yard on Wednesday, dressed in a conservative navy blue coat, with good mate, former Richmond Football Club board member and breeder Anthony Mithen.

McLachlan said he spent time on his property, where he has a share in a horse education business, before heading across to Wednesday’s meeting.

Gillon McLachlan (right) seen with syndicator Wylie Dalziel at Warrnambool on Wednesday. Picture: Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images

“I’ve got a little farm about and hour and a half from here so I jumped on a few horses there this morning,” McLachlan said.

“We’ve got a little horse breaking business there then drove across.

“This (carnival) is what racing is all about.”

McLachlan will be a keen observer of Saturday’s Morphettville meeting as he is in the ownership of two horses he bred in partnership with Adelaide racing identity James Jordan.

“I’ve got a runner in the SA Derby on Saturday, A Samurai Mind, and a filly in a Listed race (Adelaide Guineas) in South Australia called Into The Light,” McLachlan said.

“They’re the first we’ve bred out of those mares, that’s their oldest crop, they’re three-year-olds.

“It’s good, I enjoy it.”

Gillon McLachlan enjoys 2023 Cox Plate Day at Moonee Valley with Racing Minister Anthony Carbines (left). Picture: Mark Stewart

McLachlan did not comment on the media speculation about the likelihood of Victorian Racing Minister Anthony Carbines appointing him to the RV board.

However, he added all facets of the sport had held a lifelong fascination for him and his family.

“I’ve always loved racing,” McLachlan said.

“I like a punt. But I like breeding, I like horses in general.

“My mother had a trainer’s licence, we grew up on a farm and I learned to ride as soon as I could.

“It’s been a big part of my life and my family’s life.

“My grandparents on either side have had some decent horses.

“Like everyone else, I’d like to have one too.”

Originally published as Gillon McLachlan tight-lipped on Racing Victoria board chairman speculation at Warrnambool May Carnival