After almost a quarter of a century in the role, Murray Bridge Racing Club General Manager John Buhagiar will retire at the end of the racing season.
The announcement from the popular administrator closes the chapter on an incredible career in thoroughbred racing and one that has had an immeasurable impact on racing at Murray Bridge.
Buhagiar, who started at the MBRC in 2003, has led the Club through arguably its most successful period, including the relocation to the new Gifford Hill site.
Under his watch, the Club has grown immensely, both as a training centre and a racing venue that, in the 2026/27 racing season, will host 23 race meetings including seven Saturday metropolitan fixtures.
Buhagiar has secured and managed the MBRC’s key commercial partnerships with Thomas Farms, Carlton Draught, Spry Civil Construction and Magic Millions, as well as many other local sponsors.
Murray Bridge Racing Club Chairman John Leahy said Buhagiar’s contribution has been immense and he leaves big shoes to fill.
“John has been an incredible servant of our Club and the South Australian racing industry more broadly for such a long time and I’d like to congratulate him on an amazing career,” Leahy said.
“John has brought a passion and commitment to both thoroughbred racing and the local community that has been the hallmark of his management of the Club and allowed him to successfully navigate a period of huge expansion.
“We look forward to celebrating John’s career at our final race meeting for the season on Friday, 17 July.”
Buhagiar said he is proud of what he has achieved during his lengthy tenure at the MBRC and he is excited for some more family time in his next phase.
“The Club has provided me with an opportunity that many around the world would be envious of — an opportunity to build partnerships I deeply value and relationships I will cherish for years to come,” Buhagiar said.
“It is time to give my energy back to those most important to me – my wife, my family and myself.
“The initial goal when arriving at the Club was to provide stability and maximise the potential the club had to draw upon.
“We achieved that goal, but what the club has created during that time has exceeded expectations and become a benchmark that many can aspire to.”
Following an extensive recruitment process in which applicants from across the globe were considered and interviewed, the Club has appointed James Tzaferis to the role of General Manager.
Tzaferis, a local industry figure that has worked extensively in the racing media space in both Victoria and South Australia, commenced work at the Club in mid-June and will move into the General Manager role following Buhagiar’s departure.