A renewed public profile emerges for John Kanga, the controversial former MRC board member, as he appears with a beaming smile in a moment framed as a return to prominence after resignation from the MRC board.

The piece highlights Kanga’s dramatic influence and controversial return to prominence over the past year, underscoring how his leadership style has shaped the club’s direction.

Tanya Fullarton steps in as CEO, working alongside Munz’s associate to steer the $1 billion sporting club that manages Caulfield, Sandown, and Mornington racecourses.

The photo also features MRC chief executive Tanya Fullarton, Kanga’s wife Steph, and Nina O’Brien, while Danny O’Brien remains outside the frame but closely tied to the celebrations.

A Derby Day photograph is used to tell a broader story about Australian horse racing power dynamics in 2025, centering on Jonathan Munz and John Kanga rather than race action.

The narrative positions power and influence as the dominant forces in Australian racing in 2025, as illustrated by the Derby Day image.

The Derby Day photo is framed as exposing 2025 power dynamics in Australian racing, featuring Munz and Kanga as the central figures.

Munz appears with the Wakeful Stakes winner Getta Good Feeling’s sash, signaling a public return after joining the MRC board as vice chairman.

The image captures Munz’s rare public appearance in conjunction with Getta Good Feeling, symbolizing his expanded role since joining the MRC board.

Kanga’s influence is portrayed as sweeping changes: toppling the MRC board, becoming chairman, saving Sandown from sale, blocking a $250 million Caulfield grandstand, relocating the Caulfield mounting yard, and pushing cheaper beer.

The article details Kanga’s dramatic year of impact, including leadership changes, asset protection moves, and cost-saving measures, with a note on exploring a merger with the Victorian Racing Club.

Munz supported Kanga’s actions, and Fullarton emerged as a key ally within the MRC, with both connected to the Thoroughbred Racehorse Owners Association.