The Melbourne Racing Club (MRC) is one of Australia’s prominent horse racing organisations based in Melbourne, Victoria. Established in 1875, it has a rich history and plays a significant role in Australian horse racing.

The MRC organises a diverse range of racing events, catering to different racing disciplines and levels of competition. These events attract top horses, jockeys, and trainers across Australia and worldwide. Additionally, the club is committed to promoting the sport of horse racing and provides various facilities and services for members and patrons, including dining, hospitality, and entertainment options.

Building on the success of the MRC, operations have expanded as Pegasus Leisure Group (PLG). These licensed venues cater to sporting enthusiasts and offer food and beverage, functions, gaming, and other entertainment options in a social setting.

Living its Purpose and validating its Vision to be the best and most progressive Racing Club in the World, MRC’s property function launched its $300m Masterplan. Key changes include:

• Increased racing at the venue by constructing a new inner track (the Heath)and lights. MRC is delighted to announce The Heath will host its first race on 13 March 2024. Lights will be delivered in early 2025.
• New centralised horse stalls and mounting yards offering greater patron access and viewing as well as state-of-the-art facilities for equine athletes, now also complete and operational.
• Redeveloped grandstands and participant zones offering world-class facilities, improved viewing and modern amenities. This aspect is currently in planning.
• Revitalised entry experience, increased track lawn areas and flexible event spaces. These spaces will be complete in July 2024.
• A purpose-built $23.5m administration building opened in January 2024, providing contemporary work and collaboration spaces, strengthening MRCs already rewarding Employee Value Proposition.

Relocating to the new premises also provided a perfect opportunity to consult with employees to review and reinvigorate MRC values to support its strategic, cultural, and growth evolution. Be Bold, Be Honest, and Be Part of the Team, reinforcing their culture of trust, transparency, enablement, innovation, and collaboration.

The Values are lived in open communication at all levels within the club, a strength that is crucial to building trust, transparency, agility, and alignment with The MRC Purpose. It is foundational to MRC’s performance, employee growth, and member satisfaction. Our success depends on our people and their ability to thrive. MRC significantly invests in the team’s engagement, career progression, and wellbeing.

The cornerstone of leadership development at the MRC is the comprehensive MRC DRIVE Development framework, which centres on purpose-driven leadership. This program’s effectiveness is evidenced by the significant number of internal promotions observed and the performance achieved. This is complemented by various other development forums, professional development, and training targeted at both the individual and the organisation more broadly.

Through robust performance reviews and an ongoing feedback model, the MRC is steadfast in its commitment to understanding and addressing the needs of its workforce, thereby cultivating a highly engaged environment. A meticulous approach to engagement, including educational sessions for leaders on the significance of the Engagement survey process and actionable strategies for improvement, further underscores this commitment.

Continued initiatives at the MRC reflect a dedicated focus on meeting the evolving needs of its workforce. This includes prioritising safety, including psychological safety, across all activities. The organisation’s unwavering dedication to placing people at the forefront of its endeavours is clear, continuous, and committed.

Overall, MRC holds a prominent position in Australian horse racing, contributing to the sport’s rich heritage and tradition while embracing innovation and modernisation in its operations. It is determined to be progressive in every aspect of its endeavours.

For information about Melbourne Racing Club, visit mrc.racing.com