Analysis: Victorian racing a big winner from Gillon McLachlan appointment to run Tabcorp

ANALYSIS: Racing Victoria has the whip hand, again, after a nine-month courtship of Gillon McLachlan, who will now run Tabcorp, writes Gilbert Gardiner.

Anthony Carbines and Gillon McLachlan at last year’s Cox Plate. Picture: Mark Stewart

ANALYSIS: It turns out three winners in a one-horse race is possible after all.

Tabcorp’s successful poaching raid on Gillon McLachlan, which robbed Racing Victoria of its chairman elect, could end up being a win for all parties.

McLachlan has the “day job” he wanted, subject to regulatory approvals, before entertaining any other advisory or board room positions.

The wagering giant Tabcorp has the recognisable figurehead — “needs no introduction” — and dealmaker to lead the company into a most competitive sport, media and bookmaking future.

RV has the whip hand, again, after a nine-month courtship of McLachlan.

The would-be recruitment, in racing terms, was over bar the shouting until Tabcorp pounced.

Any other job and McLachlan could, in theory, do both roles, but for the conflict of interest between RV and Tabcorp.

* OPINION: Is McLachlan the man to turn around Tabcorp’s fortunes?

Tabcorp has held the Victorian wagering license for three decades.

Try as Victorian racing brass did to get McLachlan across the line, there could only be one decision with Tabcorp in the frame.

McLachlan with Wylie Dalziel at Warrnambool.

Sign on the dotted line.

McLachlan made the right choice by any measure – professional, personal and financial.

It is RV’s turn now to do the same.

The next steps are critical.

A renewed seven-person RV board, including new directors Mark Player and Tim Rourke, as late as Friday must settle on their preferred chairperson and deputy to be sent to Racing Minister Anthony Carbines for approval.

Racenet on Friday revealed director Tim Eddy as favourite to be the chairman elect.

Sharon McCrohan is slated for the deputy role.

Acting chairman Mike Hirst, set to depart the board from June 30, endorsed the likely Eddy-McCrohan ticket last week.

Rourke, the CitiPower and Powercor chief executive, has been touted as a potential chairman candidate.

Thoroughbred Racehorse Owners’ Association boss Jonathan Munz, who has campaigned vehemently for RV board renewal, has endorsed Rourke as the logical choice.

The buck stops with the Racing Minister.

McLachlan will run Tabcorp at a time of upheaval for Victorian racing.

A successful Eddy-McCrohan ticket, for this argument’s sake, would only be the start.

A united board must next collaborate on the recruitment of a new chief executive.

The right decision must be made, or rinse and repeat the upheaval past.

History would show the previous board missed the mark last time.

Likely candidates for the top job include interim RV chief Aaron Morrison, Racing Integrity Commissioner Sean Carroll, and ex-Victoria and Melbourne racing club bosses Steve Rosich and Josh Blanksby.

Morrison has made the best of incumbency and mended a lot of broken bridges, particularly on the participant front.

He welcomed confirmation of McLachlan’s appointment on Monday.

“We congratulate Tabcorp on their Chief Executive appointment and look forward to working closely with Gill McLachlan,” Morrison said.

“Whilst our historic joint venture is soon to come to an end, Tabcorp remains an important wagering, commercial and media partner for Victorian racing.

“Gill has a great understanding and appreciation of Victorian racing and we see this as beneficial as we continue to work with Tabcorp on a range of important matters.”

Wagering aside, Victorian racing has important matters of its own to work on with relevant stakeholders in the short, medium and long-term.

Integrity. Equine and participant welfare. Tracks. Prizemoney. Race dates.

Caulfield and Moonee Valley racecourse redevelopments.

The future of Sandown, and North-West land bank.

The new administration, in whatever form, has work to do.

■ Gilbert Gardiner is a senior racing journalist for the Herald Sun and Racenet.

Originally published as Analysis: Victorian racing a big winner from Gillon McLachlan appointment to run Tabcorp