Parnell quits to pursue a different course in the UK
RACING Queensland boss Brendan Parnell has resigned and will take up a new position in England next year.
In a shock move, Parnell handed in his six-month notice period to the Racing Queensland board on Wednesday to take up a global job with Arena Racing, who manage 16 racecourses in the UK including Wolverhampton, Doncaster and Newcastle. Racing Queensland will go to market for his job before Christmas, with Parnell to continue serving in the role until a successor is found.
Parnell has overseen the recent controversial betting tax changes, which has shaken up the wagering industry in the state by squeezing more money out of corporate bookmakers.
The former Sky Channel and Tatts Group boss was forced to guide racing through the Covid pandemic, which saw wagering on racing boom throughout Australia.
“It’s been a privilege to lead the Queensland racing industry,” Parnell said. “We’ve been the beneficiary of a highly supportive Government, board and RQ team who have been committed to driving commercial outcomes and achieving our strategic ambitions including the launch of the Queensland Off-The-Track Program for retired racehorses.
“With the upcoming betting tax changes, the industry’s long-term funding model has now been secured and it is a perfect time for a new leader to take the reins and advance the Queensland racing industry through their own ideas and concepts.”
Racing Queensland chairman Steve Wilson said Parnell had helped turn around how racing was perceived in the Sunshine State.
“Brendan has been an energetic and dynamic leader who has overseen a strong period of growth for the industry,” Wilson said. “As RQ has increased its revenue, it has been able to deliver record payments to participants and an incredible pipeline of infrastructure projects with more on the horizon.”