Steve Lines shuts down talk of CEO swap between Brisbane Racing Club and Gold Coast Turf Club

STEVE Lines has shut down talk of a potential CEO swap between the Brisbane Racing Club and Gold Coast Turf Club following the resignation of BRC boss David Whimpey.

STEVE Lines has shut down talk of a potential CEO swap between the Brisbane Racing Club and Gold Coast Turf Club following the resignation of BRC boss David Whimpey.

Speculation in racing circles suggested Lines was in line to replace Whimpey when he officially departs the BRC on June 30, leaving the door open for CEO of the state’s biggest racing club to fill the vacated seat on the Gold Coast.

Lines was approached to gauge his interest in the job at the end of last year.

He declined it and has told the Bulletin nonew approach had been made by BRC officials about taking on the role as they look at life after Whimpey.

Gold Coast turf club CEO Steve Lines. Picture: John Gass

“I haven’t had any talks with the BRC about the position,” Lines said.

“I’m very happy at the Gold Coast Turf Club where we have been doing some great things both on and off the track.”

Lines didn’t rule out a move up the M1 in the future and joked he remained open to the GCTC matching the salary of Whimpey while remaining at the club.

Lines has previously lived across the road from Doomben race track and acted as a consultant in the corporate and sponsorship space in previous years for the BRC.

Brisbane Racing Club CEO Dave Whimpey. Pic Darren England.

He rents his house on the Gold Coast while Whimpey lives in Mudgeraba.

Whimpey will depart the BRC after a five-year tenure where he was forced to battle the criticism surrounding failed track upgrades at Eagle Farm.

He butted heads with some big name trainers including Chris Munce about the track’s condition.

The decision to move on came following a board meeting last Thursday where officials discussed Whimpey’s future.