Racing Victoria (RV) Director, Greg Nichols, has advised that his retirement date from the RV Board will be 31 March 2024.
Nichols is required to retire in 2024 in accordance with the Racing Act 1958 as he has served a maximum term of 12 years on the RV Board.
Nichols had an extensive career in racing and wagering prior to joining the RV Board in 2012. He was Chief Executive of the British Horseracing Board and the South Australian Thoroughbred Racing Authority and also held senior positions in the Betfair Group.
He is a Director and former Chairman of Racing Australia, Chairman of the Australian Pattern Committee and a member of the Racing Integrity and Equine Welfare Sub Committee. He will remain RV’s nominated Director on the Racing Australia Board for the foreseeable future following his retirement from the RV Board.
In Nichols’ time on the RV Board:
Wagering turnover on Victorian racing has doubled to a peak of $9.1 billion;
- Annual prizemoney paid by RV has grown by $150 million;
- Club funding has risen by over 180%;
- RV’s net assets have grown from a deficit of $4.7 million to more than $190 million, including a major strategic landholding at Oaklands Junction;
- RV has delivered world-leading equine welfare protocols; and
- It has secured a landmark 10-year industry funding agreement with the Victorian Government.'
Nichols was pivotal in the establishment of Racing.com and has served multiple terms as Chairman. Racing.com is Australia’s only 24/7 free-to-air sporting channel and its integrated, omni-channel offer is unique in Australian sport.
Nichols was also instrumental in the establishment of RV’s Race Fields Policy which has maximised returns to the industry over the past decade and whose foundations remain to this day.
His replacement on the RV Board will be determined by Victoria’s Minister for Racing who is responsible for appointing Directors in accordance with the RV Constitution.
Quotes attributable to Greg Nichols
“It’s been a pleasure to serve on the Racing Victoria Board for the past 12 years, working alongside a raft of highly accomplished and committed Directors.
“Victorian racing has come a long way in that time, delivering record returns to participants and unparalleled investment in integrity, welfare and infrastructure.
“I want to acknowledge and thank all of the stakeholders and staff whom I’ve had the privilege of working closely with over the past 12 years.”