Jason Ferrario has been appointed chief executive of Murrumbidgee Turf Club

A two-month-long search ended this week with Ferrario appointed to one of the most prestigious positions in country racing.

Ferrario has been general manager of the Junee Ex-Services Club for the past two years and has an extensive background in racing.

The 50-year-old worked as a bookmaker's clerk when he was younger but went on to work in the wagering department at Tabcorp and then had a stint at Sky Racing.

After moving back to the region three years ago, Ferrario is thrilled to have landed his 'dream job'.

"It's a big moment in my life and I can't wait to start," Ferrario said.

"I've been passionate about horse racing since I was kid. When I was younger I used to attend the races, I actually worked as a bookmaker's clerk for a lot of years.

"I'm passionate about racing and let's face it, the Murrumbidgee Turf Club, I assume would be in the top five biggest country race clubs in NSW. It will be a proud role, being able to be involved in the Cup carnival. All of the special days like Aggies, Men of League, Kurrajong.

"It's not just a race club, the fact it's also a function centre, it really plays a huge role in the Wagga community."

MTC president Geoff Harrison looks forward to seeing what Ferrario brings to the role.

"I've got no doubt he's a very thorough and prominent person," Harrison said.

"He's progressed the club (at Junee) in the last two and a half years that he's been there. He interviewed very well. He's got Tabcorp history and had a stint with Sky.

"He comes highly recommended. He's got the liquor license qualifications that we needed and he's very thorough at what he does and he presented very well."

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Ferrario won't start until November 29 and replaces Steve Keene, who has taken on the chief executive position at Scone Race Club.

Ferrario is no stranger to many at the club. He was once a golf professional and worked at the Junee Golf Club alongside MTC track manager Mark Hart in the early 90s.

He can't wait to get started at the MTC.

"This new stabling complex, it sounds exciting. I can't wait to oversee the whole operation and play my part in making sure that's a success," Ferrario said.

"I look forward to getting to know the trainers and being able to help them out in anyway to make the Murrumbidgee Turf Club a place where they want to train their horses and doing what I can to make everybody happy.

"At the end of the day, my goal is to come into a successful business and continue on the great work of those that have been there before me. I look forward to working with the board, I've heard great things about the things Pat (Stephen) does as the financial controller and Cass (Writer) does with the marketing.

"I'm looking forward to coming into an organisation that is already successful and basically carrying on the good work that's been done before me and when the time is right, putting my spin on the operation, when I believe there's things that I can improve."

Ferrario believes his history across a number of industries has him well positioned to work and build close relationships with stake holders, while his most recent role has him right across COVID-19 and liquor requirements.

"Obviously we don't know at this very moment what the COVID restrictions look like but when we do find out more about that, I'm happy to put processes in place that gets people back to the racetrack because it's been a crazy 18 months," he said.

"When we find out how it's going to work, I believe I will be good at getting people back to the racetrack. And also knowing that as much as you want to get people back to the racetrack, you've got to make sure you've got a great racing product for those at home and in venues. From a wagering point of view, you need to have the best racing product that you can come up with."

Ferrario has spent time in Sydney and the Gold Coast, as well as seven years overseas as a golf caddy. He said his decision to return home was the best move he's made.

"I made a decision three years ago now, home is where I wanted to be, I wanted to be back in the country, I wanted to be in Junee surrounded by family and friends and moving home's the best move I've ever made," he said.

"I'm at a happy place in my life. I gained great life experience in my time in Sydney and the Gold Coast, as well as my seven years overseas as a golf caddie...but I moved home and soon I'll be in my dream job.

"Running a race club, you can't imagine how I excited I am."

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