Norman Gillespie Quits AJC

Norman Gillespie has resigned from his position as Chief Executive of the Australian Jockey Club (AJC).
Gillespie, who was appointed to the position in 2007, has been replaced by Darren Pearce who will step up as acting Chief Executive while Tony Crawford will take up the role of Chief Strategy Officer.
Often seen as "controversial" figure, Gillespie's departure was remarked upon by newly elected AJC Chairman Ron Finemore who stated "the Board appreciates the commitment Norman has shown throughout his tenure as Chief Executive, which has coincided with a challenging time for the entire NSW racing industry, with the outbreak of equine influenza in late 2007 and the disruption caused by World Youth Day last year."
Gillespie's departure would seem to advance the possibility of the AJC, which operates the Randwick and Chalk Farm racecourses in Sydney, merging with
Sydney Turf club, which operates the Canterbury and Rosehill Racecourses.
However, it is believed that the NSW Government is considering merging the AJC with the Sydney Cricket and Sportsground Trust.
Both the AJC and Sydney Turf Club have faced difficulties in recent years with declining memberships and attendances.