‘Best to pivot and move on’: John Kanga announces removal of Tom Reilly as CEO of Melbourne Racing Club

Melbourne Racing Club chairman John Kanga has revealed the sudden removal of chief executive Tom Reilly.

Melbourne Racing Club chairman John Kanga (left) and former CEO Tom Reilly.

Melbourne Racing Club chairman John Kanga has revealed the sudden removal of chief executive Tom Reilly.

Reilly, the former Thoroughbred Breeders Australia and Aushorse chief executive, joined the MRC in January.

“Sometimes it just doesn’t work out,” Kanga said in a statement on Monday night.

“Tom was only CEO for three months and when things don’t go as well as they should, it is best to pivot and move on.”

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Kanga has appointed Tanya Fullerton, vice chairman of the Thoroughbred Racehorse Owners’ Association, as chief operating officer.

Fullerton has more than 30 years of corporate, racing and administrative experience.

“Everyone can be assured that we have put a management structure in place to ensure a smooth transition,” Kanga said.

“Tanya has an excellent reputation and deep experience and relationships across the racing industry.”

Reilly’s departure comes in a period of relative stability at the MRC, following board room and administrative unrest last year.

Kanga last year led a successful take over of the board and quickly went about actioning key election promises, including the retention of racing at Sandown.

Kanga also announced that the manager of private training centre Pinecliff would be employed as a consultant “for the next few months to help us work out the best approach and protocols” to improve the club’s race tracks.