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The Newcastle Jockey Club Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Duane Dowell to the position of Chief Executive at Newcastle Jockey Club, effective 1 November 2021.

Mr Dowell will succeed outgoing Chief Executive, Matt Benson who tendered his resignation to the Board on 15 October after almost six years as CEO at Newcastle.

“Under the leadership of Matt Benson, this club has established itself as one of the premier race clubs in Australia,” said Mr Dowell, adding “The future of this club is exciting and I look forward to working with the NJC team to lift the club to even greater heights.”

Previously CEO of Muswellbrook Race Club, Mr Dowell joined the NJC team in August this year and is excited to be stepping into the role of CEO albeit a little sooner than thought.

NJC Chairman, Geoff Barnett indicated to the Newcastle Herald in an earlier interview that Mr Dowell’s previous experience made him a strong contender to replace Mr Benson, saying “we had discussed succession planning with Matt and Duane during recruitment so the Board will bring that plan forward now Matt has decided to move on."

He added: “We all wish Matt and his family every success for the future.”