October 18, 2016
The Australian Turf Club has paid tribute to the career and achievements of Racing NSW Chairman John Messara AM following the announcement of his impending retirement.
Mr Messara has been Chairman of the Racing NSW Board for five years, working closely with the Australian Turf Club during significant growth of Sydney racing.
ATC Chairman Laurie Macri said Mr Messara had been involved in some of the biggest and most important changes to Sydney racing in its long history.
“We are very grateful for the strong partnership we have continued to build with Racing NSW since the merger in February 2011,” Mr Macri said.
“This has been due in significant part to the determined and strategic leadership shown by John as Chairman of the Racing NSW Board.
“I particularly commend John’s role in working with the ATC to secure the deal with SKY Racing to showcase Sydney racing to the world.
“I am grateful for what I have learned from John’s talents as a leader, as are I am sure countless others in the racing industry for whom John has been a wonderful mentor.
“John can look back with great pride at his achievements on many fronts, whether they be in sustaining and growing the industry, or helping steer it through some challenging issues.”
Australian Turf Club Chief Executive Officer Darren Pearce said greater integrity and animal welfare improvements, increased funding for prizemoney and infrastructure, and development of The Championships at world-class facilities at Royal Randwick were some of the major highlights during Mr Messara’s tenure.
“The ATC honours the career of John Messara and thanks him for his outstanding service and leadership,” Mr Pearce said.
“John and his CEO Peter V’Landys have worked in partnership and with great resolve with the ATC to make Sydney racing and its facilities amongst the best in the world.”