WATC EXECUTIVE APPOINTED TO TOP MRC POSITION

THE Melbourne Racing Club (MRC) is delighted to announce the appointment of Alasdair Robertson, aged 53, as the Chief Executive Officer of this Club commencing mid January 2010.

Alasdair is presently engaged as Chief Executive Officer of the Western Australian Turf Club, operating under the brand – Perth Racing – and has held that position since his appointment in 2004.

He was identified and selected by the Committee of the MRC, from a very impressive list of candidates, and after an extremely thorough recruitment search was undertaken by Spencer Stuart.

Perth Racing was reinvigorated under Alasdair’s direction with a resulting significant increase in on-course attendance, membership, wagering growth and prize money distributed to owners.

As their Chief Executive Officer, he developed a very good and professional relationship with all participants in Perth racing and, upon the many recommendations received, the Melbourne Racing Club is confident that Alasdair will achieve the same professional relationships and outcomes for our Club in Melbourne.

Working with his Committee in Perth, Alasdair oversaw the full rebuild of the Ascot race track and updated training facilities, the creation of an in-house television product, the export of racing content to Singapore and is presently charged with primary responsibility for the Belmont race track upgrade and the urban residential masterplan development with the approved design for housing 4,000 residents around that race track in a mix of residential housing, both single residential, medium and high rise, a refurbished grandstand, a village precinct, shops and retail areas.

It is that property and commercial development experience that will provide a significant benefit to the ongoing masterplan and commercial development of the land surrounding the Caulfield Race Course, for the construction of the new on-course Event and Entertainment Centre and for developing the future commercial initiatives at Betfair Park.

Melbourne Racing Club Chairman, Mr Peter Young said that the appointment of Alasdair was an achievement for his race club and for the administration of racing in Melbourne. Mr Young said that –

“Alasdair is an experienced Chief Executive, with corporate and commercial experience, including substantial overseas learning and experience. He has very broad skills in marketing and business development.

"He has a passion for thoroughbred racing and a real desire to see the industry, and our Club, further grow and succeed. His unique blend of racing and business experience closely mirrors that which the Committee determined is required to be a very successful Chief Executive for the Melbourne Racing Club.

"With his substantial Chief Executive experience and knowledge of the racing industry it is expected that he will quickly build on the established Club platform of racing and commercial development and extend new and exciting initiatives for the future.”

The new Chief Executive will take control of a Club that is very soundly based, both financially and in all areas of racing and training and with very well planned development and future gaming projects.

The Committee of the Melbourne Racing Club is very confident that Alasdair will implement, further expand and oversee the very extensive racing, property and commercial masterplan and future developments at both Caulfield and Betfair Park.

“Alasdair’s departure will be a real loss to Perth racing but a very real gain to the Melbourne Racing Club,” Mr Young commented,

Current Chief Executive Officer Warran Brown remains contracted with the MRC until 31 December 2009 and is continuing to discharge all of his duties.

MELBOURNE RACING CLUB MEDIA RELEASE