Outgoing Racing NSW chairman John Messara leaves industry in powerful position

RACING NSW chief executive Peter V’landys has described John Messara’s surprise decision to step down as chairman as a “very sad day for the NSW thoroughbred racing industry”.

John Messara with Francesca Cumani and Peter V'landys during a launch for The Championships. Picture: Brett Costello

UPDATE: HE has helped achieve wagering taxation parity, record prizemoney levels, introduced The Championships and restored NSW racing to premier state status.

With the financial sustainability of the sport secure, ­Racing NSW chairman John Messara believes he has ­nothing left to achieve and made a surprise announcement late on Monday that he is stepping down from the role he has held for five years.

Messara has been Racing NSW’s longest-serving chairman but felt the time was right for him to vacate the position from December 31.

“I’ve been there for five years and basically everything I’ve set out to do with the board and (chief executive) Peter V’landys we have been able to achieve,’’ Messara said.

“Although I had another two years to go, all the big ­issues we targeted when I first started have been ticked off and I just took the view it was a good time for me to move on.

“I will be 70 next year, so it is time to move on and have ­renewal at Racing NSW.’’

Racing Minister Troy Grant confirmed on Tuesday that Racing NSW vice-chairman Russell Balding will take over from Messara in the top role from January 1.

Outgoing chairman John Messara leaves the NSW racing industry in a tremendous position “with record prizemoney levels and with a sustainable future”.

V’landys described Messara’s surprise decision to step down as a “very sad day for the NSW thoroughbred racing industry”.

“People won’t realise or fully appreciate the magnitude of John’s enormous contribution,’’ V’landys said. “John has been an inspirational leader with his drive, passion and commitment to the sport without peer.’’

Balding acknowledged the significant contribution Messara has made to the thoroughbred racing industry in NSW and Australia over the five years of his chairmanship.

“Under his leadership the NSW thoroughbred racing industry has regained its mantle as the leading jurisdiction in the southern hemisphere,’’ Balding said. “Annual prizemoney has all but doubled from $118 million to $203 million during his term, with particular focus on country and provincial racing. Importantly, NSW now has a flagship carnival in The Championships.’’