![Steve McMahon [supplied]](https://betsy.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Steve-McMahon-scaled.jpg)
Australian Turf Club interim chief executive Steve McMahon has an immediate focus on racing as he takes the reins of the club heading into its premier time of the year, the Everest Carnival.
McMahon takes over from Matt Galanos after he was terminated by the ATC on Monday.
The ATC moved swiftly to change McMahon from acting chief executive to the interim boss on Tuesday. It was back-dated to Monday, when he was giving evidence in the Mark Latham inquiry at Racing NSW.
“The first job is racing and watching the best horses from around the world at Randwick and Rosehill in the next couple of months,” McMahon said in his first interview since taking the role. I’m grateful to be given the opportunity in the role and look forward to getting around to as many people as possible at the races leading into the Everest. We have a great opportunity to work with members, owners, trainers and jockeys to take racing in Sydney to the next level.”
It is understood the club will wait until after the Everest to start the process of finding a new chief executive, with McMahon one of the leading candidates being given the chance to prove his credentials.
ATC chairman Tim Hale acknowledged Galanos’ achievement during his time with the club and outlined this was a change of direction.
McMahon’s focus was always members focused in his role as general manager of Corporate Affairs and Government Relations and it will be part of his remit to rebuild relationships after the sale of Rosehill debacle.
“Our members and the great sport of thoroughbred racing are at the heart of the Australian Turf Club. We are committed to building stronger connections, being more transparent, and creating new ways for our members to help shape the future of their Club,” Mr Hale said. “I want to thank Matt for his long service to the ATC, first as CFO and then as CEO guiding the Club through some very challenging times. We wish him nothing but the best for the future. More detail will be shared with Members soon as we embark on a refreshed strategy for the ATC. For now, our immediate focus is on delivering a fantastic Spring Carnival that celebrates our horses, our participants and our Members.”
McMahon has a vast range of experience in local government and at the state level and missed winning the federal seat of Barton by 489 votes in the 2013 election as a Labor candidate.
He led the NSW Trainers Association for five years and got immediate support from leading trainers when he was announced as interim chief executive.
“Steve’s appointment is good news as he understands the challenges the industry is facing,” Chris Waller said. “Steve and I were on different sides of the fence with Rosehill, but I respected the passion and conviction he brought to the debate. He believed it would set racing up financially, and that showed his commitment to the industry’s future. John [O’Shea], Steve and I have spoken a lot about how we can reinvigorate Rosehill, which is exciting.”
“Steve has proven himself to be fair, approachable, and willing to make the tough calls when required. I look forward to working closely with him to ensure the best outcomes for our sport.”
O’Shea adding: “Steve has always been a great listener and a strong advocate for racing participants. Trainers can feel confident that he understands our concerns and will work constructively with us as we navigate the months ahead. Steve will rally the troops and I am sure deliver Sydney a wonderful spring carnival.”
