WARRNAMBOOL Racing Club is on the hunt for a new chief executive officer following the shock resignation of John Green late on Monday.
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Green, who started working with the club as its racecourse manager seven years ago, has been CEO for more than five years. He told The Standard he was downcast to be leaving the position.
"It's disappointing that I've left the club. I'm proud of what the club has achieved in my time as the CEO," Green said.
"I handed in my resignation after speaking to executive members last Friday and again on Monday. My resignation is effective immediately. I've got to finalise a few things around Warrnambool but my long-term aim is to head back to Melbourne."
The Standard understands club chairman Des Roberts, vice-chairman Ashley King and treasurer Steve Waterhouse met with Green late on Monday, when he told the executive team of his decision.
Roberts confirmed Green's resignation, saying it was a sad day for the club.
"Personally I'm sad that John has resigned. He was a great worker for the club,” he said.
“He worked on numerous major projects during his time. John oversaw the new enclosed betting ring and the new marquee area plus plenty of other projects which have been great for the club.
"John has also been a great mentor to our track staff. He was a guiding light for Liam O'Keefe, who is now second in charge on the track at Flemington, and for Daniel Lumsden, who is our racecourse manager."
The passionate chairman said the club would advertise Australia-wide in a bid to fill the job.
"We hold the premier three-day country racing carnival in Australia and we will leave no stone unturned in getting the best person in the job," Roberts said. "We hope to start advertising the job this weekend."
Green's resignation comes less than a week before the club stages the $200,000 Grand National Hurdle and the $100,000 Crisp Steeplechase on Sunday. Roberts said long-serving administration manager Sue van Rooy would oversee the running of the meeting.