Members of the Melbourne Racing Club and the Mornington Racing Club have voted overwhelmingly in favour of the merger between the two Clubs following their respective Special General Meetings (SGM).

The merger will be effective from the commencement of the 2010/11 racing season on 1 August 2010.

Both clubs convened their SGM in the past week and at each meeting, Members strongly approved a series of resolutions necessary to enable the merger to take effect.

“This positive outcome is the result of many months of due diligence and consultation between the Clubs and Members and it provides a very strong environment within which to further develop and expand the Club's activities, its revenue streams and assets,” said Melbourne Racing Club Chairman, Peter Young.

“We would like to thank our Members for endorsing the merger so enthusiastically and we look forward to delivering on the benefits outlined to Members,” Mr Young continued.

Mr Rod Fenwick, Chairman of the Mornington Racing Club, said that by merging the two clubs, a strong new entity will be formed.

“We are combining the most successful country club of recent times with the metropolitan club with the strongest balance sheet and most race dates in Victoria,” Mr Fenwick said.

“Under the terms of the merger, the Mornington Racing Club will continue to prosper. Being part of a metropolitan race club, major benefits will flow to all of our stakeholders including Members, sponsors, trainers and our peninsula community.

“We are providing one Membership, multiple racecourses and countless benefits to all of our Members,” Mr Fenwick added.