Pearce in shock exit

DARREN Pearce, who has quit as Australian Turf Club CEO, said his proudest achievement was helping to turnaround the club’s financial bottom line and secure longterm success for Sydney racing.

“You can have all the plans in the world but if you can’t fund them they are meaningless,’’ Pearce said.

“But the ATC is in a very good financial position now.”

Pearce’s announcement he will step down at the end of this month came as a surprise to many in the racing industry.