Vaughn Lynch is named as the new chief executive of Tasracing

VAUGHN Lynch, the general manager of operations for Harness Racing Victoria, has been named the new chief executive of Tasracing.

VAUGHN Lynch, the general manager of operations for Harness Racing Victoria, has been named the new chief executive of Tasracing.

The state-owned company had been on the look out for a new chief executive since July after Eliot Forbes moved to Racing Queensland, with Mark Tarring filling in as the interim CEO.

But while many in the industry expected Tarring to become the permanent chief executive, Tasracing has cast its net wide.

New chief executive of Tasracing Vaughn Lynch.

Chairman Dean Cooper said a selection panel comprising of two board directors and himself recommended the appointment of Lynch to the board.

“Tasracing received multiple applications for the position from around Australia and ultimately interviewed four candidates,” Cooper said.

Lynch said he was looking forward to meeting and working with Tasmanian racing industry stakeholders.

“My focus will not only be on ensuring the long-term sustainability of the industry but seeing it develop further and thrive,” he said.

In addition to working in the operations role with HRV, Lynch has held positions within the organisation including sales and sponsorship, racing, infrastructure and strategy.

He was the general manager of the Geelong Harness Club immediately prior to joining HRV, and worked in the private sector for nearly 10 years after graduating from Deakin University with a Bachelor of Business (Finance).

Lynch said he had been connected to the racing industry in “one way or another” for his entire life.

“My father trained greyhounds and my uncle and grandfather trained thoroughbreds, so I have been around racing for most of my life,” he said.

“I have also owned and raced greyhounds and thoroughbreds, and a seven-time Group One winning harness horse, Young Rufus.”

He will officially join Tasracing early next month.

Originally published as Vaughn Lynch is named as the new chief executive of Tasracing