Melbourne Racing Club chairman John Kanga has resigned abruptly just days before the Caulfield Cup carnival, ending a turbulent year that began with his controversial boardroom takeover.
Kanga, who became chairman last September after successfully moving to spill the board, cited “a series of public attacks” against him as the reason for stepping down.
In a statement, he said he rejected the allegations but wished to prevent them from distracting from the club and its flagship Spring Carnival.
His resignation follows reports that Racing Victoria’s integrity department and the Racing Integrity Commissioner had received complaints alleging governance breaches, privacy issues, and undeclared conflicts of interest – claims that remain unproven.
It was also revealed that 24 club memberships linked to Kanga and his family had been bought using one credit card ahead of last year’s contested election, though the MRC denied any rule breaches.
Vice chairman Cameron Fisher has been appointed as Kanga’s replacement, with acting CEO Tanya Fullarton thanking him for his service and emphasising the club’s focus on stability and continuity heading into the Caulfield Cup carnival.
Source: The Sydney Morning Herald
