Racing Victoria chairman Brian Kruger resigns

Racing Victoria chairman Brian Kruger, who oversaw prizemoney growth despite the challenges of Covid, has resigned.

Racing Victoria chairman Brian Kruger has resigned. Picture: Vince Caligiuri

Racing Victoria chairman Brian Kruger has resigned.

The successful businessman and administrator informed staff and key stakeholders of the decision on Thursday.

Kruger, who was appointed to the board in 2017, will vacate his positions on June 30.

His resignation comes in the same week RV bosses announced prizemoney cuts next season due to reduced wagering.

“It has been my privilege to work with the highly engaged and capable Board and employees of Racing Victoria,” Kruger said in a statement.

“I am extremely proud of the way we have navigated the many challenges we have been faced with, particularly through the Covid pandemic, and our many achievements over the last six years.”

Kruger, a keen racehorse owner and former Moonee Valley Racing Club committee member, led Victorian racing through a period of sustained growth despite unprecedented Covid challenges.

Prizemoney in Victoria has grown by an average of $20 million a year during Kruger’s tenure, which included new racing initiatives – the All-Star Mile, Champions Day, Good Friday Racing and revamped spring and autumn racing carnival programs.

Brian Kruger with former CEO Giles Thompson in 2020.

“I am grateful to the Victorian Government for its ongoing support of the industry and, in particular, its commitment to preserving Victoria’s position as one of the world’s great racing jurisdictions,” Kruger said.

“While I am pleased to have played a role in delivering record prizemoney growth, financial security and a new funding framework which assures the sustainability of racing into the future, I am most proud of our work in horse and participant welfare during my tenure.

“Our world leading equine welfare programs have transformed the way people think about thoroughbreds and our retraining and rehoming initiatives have provided opportunities for thousands of horses when they retire from the racing industry.”

Kruger, whose RV roles include chair of OHS & Participant Welfare subcommittee, has displayed a passion for equine and participant safety, including 2021 landmark Melbourne Cup horse safety review.

Kruger’s announcement has followed an immensely difficult period in Victoria racing, marked by jockeys being seriously injured in race falls and the tragic death of popular rider Dean Holland.

“The last few months have shown we can never lose sight of the importance of the safety of our stars of the sport, and I know our team will continue to focus on making our sport as safe as it can possibly be,” Kruger said.

“This great industry would not be what it is without the hardworking men and women in our stables, clubs, training centres and racecourses, or the owners and punters who fund their efforts.

“I am grateful for the role that is played by each and every one of them and know they will continue to take the sport from strength to strength.

“Horse racing is something that gets into your blood so, while I will no longer be working in the sport, I look forward to being at the track as a fan and a punter and cheering home some winners.”

The Victorian Department of Justice and Community Safety will start a public process to appoint a replacement director, in accordance with the RV constitution.

Deputy chair Mike Hirst will act in the role of chairman from July 1 until a permanent appointment is made.

Racing Minister Anthony Carbines congratulated Kruger on his “outstanding service”.

“I’d particularly like to pay tribute to his tireless efforts to improve equine and participant welfare,” Carbines said.

“I thank Brian for the passion and dedication he has shown as the Chair of RV, and wish him all the best for the future.”

Originally published as Racing Victoria chairman Brian Kruger resigns