Saranne Cooke has been announced as the first female chair of Racing NSW, replacing the long-standing chairman, Russell Balding.
Cooke has been the deputy chair of the organisation for the past three years and has been a member of the board since 2015. She also has a PhD in corporate governance and is the chairman of the Royal Flying Doctor Service (South Eastern Section), as well as the Australasian College of Sport and Exercise Physicians.
Previously a director of General Practice Registrars Australia, Cooke has been on boards in the health sector since 2012. She has a strong background in strategy development and execution, financial oversight and stakeholder management.
Having appointed her as chair of NSW Racing, Gaming and Racing Minister David Harris said Cooke “brings a wealth of experience to the chair role” and is best placed to navigate the “challenging economic headwinds” facing the racing industry.
In November, the Minns government abandoned controversial legislation to extend Racing NSW board members terms beyond 12 years, meaning Balding had to stand down.
Balding will be replaced on the board by former Labor Racing Minister Kevin Greene, who returns for a second time on the board. Greene served for eight years between 2011 and 2018.
“The NSW government is committed to ensuring NSW remains the leading state for thoroughbred racing and a successful board is essential to that goal,” NSW Racing Minister David Harris said. “I would like to thank those involved in the selection process and those who put their names forward for the roles.
Cooke’s appointment comes at a critical time for Racing NSW, which is in the middle of two legal battles.
It has launched action against Racing Victoria and other racing authorities in Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia and Tasmania. Racing NSW alleges there was a secret plan to abolish its veto power or set up a new entity without it.
Racing NSW has also launched action against wagering operator Tabcorp, alleging the major sponsor of its flagship race breached a contract relating to lack of promotion on some major horse races.