Neil Wilson to step down as Victoria Racing Club chairman

Neil Wilson has announced his decision to step down as chairman of the Victoria Racing Club (VRC) following a 14-year tenure at the club and six years as chairman. Wilson cited the club’s recent financial recovery as a primary reason for his departure, noting a $12.6 million year-on-year turnaround and a $5.4 million profit. This follows a period of significant financial difficulty where the organization lost $78 million between 2020 and 2025 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Wilson will officially relinquish his position after the club’s annual general meeting in December. While he dismissed reports of internal conflict, sources suggest the board was divided over the appointment of his successor. The VRC recently announced Vin Cox as chair-elect following a secret vote. Reports indicate the 11 directors were split 6-5, with a re-vote occurring between Cox and vice chair Michael Ramsden after an initial three-way split.