Prominent racehorse owner Ashley King resigned from the Warrnambool Racing Club committee before a scheduled board meeting on Thursday.
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The development came just 13 days after King, who has been a commitee member for 18 years, stood down as chairman of the club.
King did not attend the monthly board meeting, notifying the committee of his decision in a written statement.
Warrnambool businessman Nick Rule has taken over as chairman.
The club released a statement from King.
“It is with regret I tender my resignation from the committee,” the statement said.
“As previously outlined to the committee, due to my indefinite period of recovery from injuries and other commitments, I’m unable to carry out my role on the committee.”
King, 66, snapped the Achilles tendon in both his legs while running in his home town of Port Fairy in February, leaving him bed-ridden for months.
“I’ve enjoyed my time as a committeeman and wish the committee and Warrnambool Racing Club the very best in the future,” he said.
Rule acknowledged King’s efforts.
“Ashley has made a significant contribution to the racing club over the past 18 years,” Rule said.
“It’s an honour to take over as chairman. I’ve got a great team behind me and look forward to the future with great confidence.”
King has a significant profile in the region.
He is Port Fairy Football Netball Club president and chief executive of Port Fairy Community Bendigo Bank.
King gained a public profile as an owner of the Bill Wilde-trained Badger’s Wood in the early 2000s.
Badger’s Wood won nine races including the 2004 Hamilton Cup. King was also syndicate manager of Group 3 winner Baughurst, two-time Warrnambool Cup winner Hissing Sid and recent Terang Cup winner Gold Medals, which is in the field for the $125,000 Australian Steeplechase on Saturday.
Cumulatively, the horses have won over $2 million.