‘Toxic’ Caulfield board battle erupts

More women have come forward with claims of bullying after two female Melbourne Racing Club board members exposed a “poor culture and toxic atmosphere.”

Horses race at Sandown Hillside Racecourse. Picture: Getty Images

A Pandora’s box of complaints has been opened since two female Melbourne Racing Club board members made allegations of a “poor culture and toxic atmosphere.”

More women have come forward with claims of bullying since Alison Saville and Caitrin Kelly broke ranks in a bitter boardroom brawl at the club which controls the Caulfield and Sandown racecourses.

The MRC’s executive committee has rejected claims, saying they had “unfairly tarnished our reputation” and insisted “our culture remains strong, inclusive, and respectful, even amidst disagreements.”

It comes amid a feud about plans for the proposed $800 million sale of Sandown and anger over the location of the new mounting yard and $250 million replacement grandstand at Caulfield.

A new campaign, Save our MRC, being led by current board member John Kanga has demanded a special general meeting to vote on the issues and spill the executive committee.

MRC has been pushing back on the plans, saying that it should be dealt with at an annual meeting in September instead.

Melbourne Racing Club board members Alison Saville and Caitrin Kelly raised concerns about MRC’s culture. Picture: Supplied

MRC board member Nick Hassett with wife Sue. Picture: Josie Hayden

The Australian Trainers Association has now joined in the open revolt against the Melbourne Racing Club, issuing a call to arms to back the Save our MRC group.

“Whilst ATA historically likes to distance itself from boardroom politics, we find this matter of significant importance,” a note to trainers sent on Thursday said.

“We need to ensure racing remains at Sandown and the Caulfield issues are resolved immediately.

“Trainers need to be proactive and ask their owners and friends who are MRC members to vote in favour of the Save our MRC Group at the forthcoming Special General Meeting of members.”

The MRC dispute has been brewing for more than 12 months with concerns raised about the planned new $250 million grandstand at Caulfield, the Grand Pavilion, which was designed by architects Woods Bagot.

There were concerns that those estimates were low because of surging construction costs.

Sandown racecourse, which sits on 112 hectares of land in the middle of Melbourne’s south eastern suburbs, has been a major source of tension.

The land has been valued at up to $800 million and its sale would fund the redevelopment at Caulfield.

“Jockeys, trainers, owners and members, want to keep the Sandown course as it provides their horses with a sound and safe surface that they can race at. We have never been given an opportunity to vote on this,” Mr Kanga said.

Winning owner John Kanga, with jockey Billy Egan and trainer Dominic Sutton at Flemington Racecourse on August 03. Picture: Getty Images

The Melbourne Racing Club has been attempting to block Mr Kanga’s move for a special general meeting, which would allow up to six committee members to be moved on.

Matt Cain was already set to retire, but Mr Kanga also wants to remove Nick Hassett, Mark Pratt, Brooke Dawson, Scott Davidson and Jill Monk.

Mr Kanga, Ms Saville and Ms Kelly, Tim Guille would remain on the board, and he proposed that Lofts Quarries founder Paul Lofitis, communications executive Belinda Meyers, town planner Robyn Gray, transport executive David Gambell and food services business magnate Frank Pollio be installed on the board instead.

“We want an SGM to have a clear mandate to lead and revitalise the Melbourne Racing Club with a united board working cohesively for our members and the racing community. It’s time for real change,” Mr Kanga said.

He said that he was determined to keep going and was supported by many of MRC’s 14,000 rank and file club members.

“We are well-resourced with the strength of support from most in the racing industry and clearly most members who vote,” he added.

The Melbourne Racing Club executive committee said in a statement: “Our club is built on a member-led culture and a successful governance model that guarantees every member has an equal voice and the opportunity to exercise it each year at our AGM.

“Members vote to elect Committee members to represent their interests, and each year provides a fresh opportunity to vote for new candidates standing for election.

“We are deeply saddened by and reject the recent allegations concerning the culture of our Committee. These claims have understandably caused distress among fellow committee members and have unfairly tarnished our reputation. Our culture remains strong, inclusive, and respectful, even amidst disagreements.”

Originally published as ‘Toxic’ Caulfield board battle erupts