Matt Benson cited a desire for a change in lifestyle as his reason for resigning as chief executive of Newcastle Jockey Club, which he believes is headed for an exciting era.
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The Newcastle Herald revealed on Sunday that Benson had surprised the NJC with his decision to quit last Friday after almost six years in the job. He has offered to stay on until the end of November.
Benson said he was focused on helping the club prepare for the standalone The Hunter raceday on November 13 before a change in pace.
"I've always had a yearning to end up on a farm somewhere, that's probably the main priority," Benson said.
"Importantly, I've told the guys I'm happy to be around until the end of November and get The Hunter out of the road, and give them plenty of time to work out what they want to do.
"There's certainly been no issues with me and the NJC. I love the place and I can only see an incredible future for it."
Benson came from South Australia to take the position in February 2016 at a challenging time for the club following the axing of predecessor Cameron Williams and during the $11.2 million redevelopment of the troublesome course proper.
He has been a driving force behind the club's ongoing plan to build a state-of-the-art 500-stable complex, which has included the sale of Cessnock racecourse to Racing NSW and construction of $4 million raceday stalls at Broadmeadow opened in May this year.
"Obviously the course proper got opened in March 2017, and that's really been a key," Benson said of the changes during his tenure.
"But I think the club has a spring in its step and some big plans for the future. If I was 15 years younger, I reckon there would be no better job to take on.
"There's a real can-do feeling around the place because Newcastle has to be the northern centre for training and racing in NSW. I think it's going to be a very exciting next 10 years here."
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