“As someone with a lifelong passion for racing and a regular attendee at Randwick for more than 50 years, I am honoured and humbled by this appointment,” he said.

“I look forward to utilising my legal experience and understanding of racing to lead the Trust in fulfilling its obligations as custodian of Randwick Racecourse on behalf of the NSW Government.”

Mr O'Callaghan’s appointment by the NSW state government was subject to a competitive selection process, including publicly advertised expressions of interest, assessment by a selection panel and independent probity advice.

The Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation and Minister responsible for racing, Kevin Anderson said that NSW is “fortunate” to have attracted such a high-calibre applicant to this important position in the NSW racing industry. 

“The sport captivates hundreds of thousands of people week in and week out, and Randwick Racecourse is the pinnacle of thoroughbred racing in Australia,” he said.

“The Randwick Racecourse Trust is appointed to exercise functions under the Act of the Randwick Racecourse lease, so it is imperative that we have the best candidate for the job.

“I am confident that Mr O’Callaghan will bring a wealth of racing knowledge and experience to the position and I would like to thank the outgoing chair Mr David Armati for his dedicated service to the Trust over many years.

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“David Armati has been a terrific advocate for the Randwick Racecourse and it has been a pleasure to work alongside him to achieve great results for the Trust.”