Ray Murrihy, chairman of the stewards of Racing New South Wales for the past 21 years and a steward for a total of 46, will retire June 3, reported Racing.com. He will be replaced by RNSW deputy chairman of stewards Marc Van Gestel.
“Ray Murrihy has made an outstanding contribution to Thoroughbred racing throughout Australia,” RNSW chief executive Peter V'landys said in a statement. “Ray has been a racing administrator of the highest calibre. He is the Black Caviar of stewards and has done an exceptional job, to say the least. In a career spanning 46 years, Ray has acted in a senior capacity in five Australian states across Thoroughbred and harness racing and has been the chairman of stewards for four of those states. He has been the chairman of stewards in New South Wales since Aug. 1, 1995 and has chaired the Racing Australia National Chairman of Stewards Advisory Group for most of that time. Ray's contribution to Thoroughbred racing has been immeasurable.”
V'landys, who feels Van Gestel is well prepared for his new role added, “Marc has already proved himself as an excellent steward, having first commenced as a trainee steward some 26 years ago in 1989 and having excelled as a deputy chairman to Ray since 2006. I have faith in Marc's ability to step up to the chairman of stewards' role. Marc is an impressive professional and a fearless individual with immense experience.”
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