Chairman of the Australian Racing Board (ARB), the Hon Michael Duffy, has today announced the appointment of Peter McGauran as CEO of the ARB.

This appointment follows the departure of Andrew Harding to The Hong Kong Jockey Club.

Mr Duffy paid tribute to Andrew’s outstanding and long-standing service to the ARB and the racing industry more widely.

“Peter is well qualified for the position having been CEO of Thoroughbred Breeders Australia for three years and as Director of Strategy, Marketing and Public Affairs at Racing NSW," Mr Duffy said.

"Prior to that he served in public life for 25 years as the Federal Member for Gippsland with ten years as a Minister in various portfolios including Agriculture."

Peter McGauran said he was very pleased to join the ARB, the industry’s peak national body: “Racing is part of Australia’s heritage and we need to harness the inherent goodwill and affection Australians feel for racing as we compete for the recreational and wagering dollar in the most competitive environment in racing’s history.

“The ARB plays a crucial role in bringing state and territory Principal Racing Authorities together to develop a uniform approach to common problems and issues," Mr McGauran added.

Mr McGauran will commence at the ARB in mid-August.