‘Self-interest is king': V'Landys weighs in on Flemington-Caulfield ‘powerhouse' as members have their say
Wilson would act as temporary chairman before handing over to Kanga after 12 months, according to sources familiar with the discussion but not willing to speak publicly about a private gathering.
Such a decision would have to be put to a members' vote. The VRC has close to 35,000 members, while the MRC has 15,500.
VRC members asked by this masthead about the merger talks on a social media forum on Thursday were divided in their views.
'Once the clubs are settled with their executives and fiscal performance, this definitely should be assessed as it 'could' bring about significant efficiencies, more cohesive business, sponsorship and operating strategies plus benefits to all members,' John Anderson wrote on the VRC Members Melbourne Facebook page.
Mike Birnbaum said he would back a super club if it had three membership options: one for Caulfield, one for Flemington, and a combined ticket for Caulfield and Flemington.
The MRC is offering an early bird membership for the coming season of $340, while VRC membership for this past financial year was $590.
Jo Anne, who did not give her surname, was opposed to a merger.
'I'm a Caulfield local and member of both clubs, own horses, etc ... culturally they are very different clubs and I'd hate the VRC culture to come across to the MRC so I'd vote against it,' she wrote.
Another member of both clubs, Glenn, who did not want to use his surname, told this masthead that he would support a race club 'marriage' if it was less than the cost of two memberships.
'My only concern would be that carnival days could become overcrowded,' he said.
But the VRC released a statement on Thursday saying it was not 'pursuing or engaging in club merger activity and has no reason, financial or otherwise to do so at this time'.
'The VRC remains committed to working alongside Racing Victoria and the broader industry for the betterment of Victorian racing,' the club said.
'The VRC is focused squarely on strengthening the VRC – growing the club, backing its members and partners, and building on the success of the Melbourne Cup Carnival, with many exciting club wide announcements in the pipeline.'
The VRC has lost $70 million across the past four years but is predicting a return to profitability next year.
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Racing Victoria CEO Aaron Morrison said there was no proposal for a Flemington-Caulfield merger on the table.
'The focus of the clubs and Racing Victoria is on driving greater efficiencies in the face of a challenging consumer and wagering environment,' Morrison said.
'There are a number of ways that efficiencies can be achieved and Racing Victoria is actively involved in exploring those with clubs, including opportunities for shared services models.'
Kanga released a statement on Thursday night, saying 'discussions around club mergers have occurred for many years and are nothing new'.
'I assure you that before anything was to even be considered, the MRC would need to be clear that any proposal was looked at in detail and in the best interests of members and the industry,' he said.
But Kanga's focus has been drawn inward this week after the MRC board's decision on Monday night to remove chief executive Tom Reilly from office, and appoint Tanya Fullarton as chief operating officer.
The MRC board appointed Kanga as honorary executive chair this week.
Mergers are not new in Australian racing.
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