Geelong Racing Club announces new CEO

LUKE Rayner has taken over the reigns as Geelong Racing Club’s new chief executive officer.

Mr Rayner joins the club with more than 14 years’ industry experience, holding positions at Country Racing Victoria, and most recently Racing Victoria where he acted as club support manager.

Geelong Racing Club president Peter Murrihy said he was excited to make the announcement on behalf of the club.

“Luke is well known in the Geelong region and highly respected within the industry,” Mr Murrihy said.

“We as a committee and a club are delighted to have him accept the role. Luke will bring a strong strategic approach and an extensive understanding of racing operations with him.”

Mr Rayner will focus on strong strategic planning to ensure the club and its members have a clear vision of Geelong Racing Club’s future, as well as creating an inclusive culture that resonates with the people of Geelong and surrounds.

“I am delighted to step in and lead a great team at the Geelong Racing Club (GRC),” he said.

“Over my journey thus far in racing I have harboured a strong desire to be involved in my local racing club.

“I have grown up here and have seen the Geelong Racing Club as a leader in community engagement with a strong presence in racing and training, and home to one of the premier events on the Country Racing Calendar, the Bet365 Geelong Cup. This event alone has been a great vehicle to bring the Geelong community together annually and provides a highlight on the Geelong social calendar for many each year.

“Having our community engage by seeing them at the track and bringing great experiences for stakeholders of all levels be it a sponsor, a trainer, an owner, or the general public, racing at Geelong has an exciting future.”

The club will formally announce expectations on how the 2021 Bet 365 Geelong Cup will look in the coming weeks with tickets sale already in high demand, pending restrictions.

It is scheduled to be run on Wednesday, October 20.

Mr Rayner will formally start in the CEO role on Monday, September 13.