Gillon McLachlan a step closer to being Racing Victoria chairman

Former AFL boss Gillon McLachlan has formally applied for a position at Racing Victoria, bringing him a step closer to becoming its chairman.

Gillon McLachlan this week formally applied to be a director of the state’s peak racing body. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos

Former AFL boss Gill McLachlan is a step closer to being named the new chairman of Racing Victoria.

The ex footy boss this week formally applied to be a director of the state’s peak racing body – a vital step to becoming chairman.

Mr McLachlan has been widely tipped for the position but had not formally expressed his interest until this week.

If he is approved as a director he would then face a vote to become chairman of the board of Racing Victoria.

Racing minister Anthony Carbines would then have to sign off on his appointment.

The position of chairman of Racing Victoria has been vacant since June with board member Mike Hirst acting as chairman.

Yesterday a government spokesperson said Mr Hirst had “ensured that important corporate knowledge and organisational stability is maintained at Racing Victoria while an open and competitive recruitment process is underway.’’

“We thank Mr Hirst for his ongoing work ensuring Victoria remains the racing capital of the nation, the spokesperson said.

“This recruitment process remains ongoing.’’