After a lifetime in racing, Racing Victoria has appointed Rob Montgomery as its Chairman of Stewards.

Montgomery takes over from Robert Cram who retired after the Moonee Valley meeting on July 29.

Starting out as an apprentice jockey in the South Island of New Zealand, Montgomery moved to Australia and rode trackwork at the Epsom Training Centre for trainers Jim Moloney and John Hawkes before landing the role of Track Supervisor in 1988.

After more than a decade in that role he started his career as a Steward under the guidance of Des Gleeson and Terry Sharp.

In recent years, Montgomery has held various roles in RV’s Integrity Department including Liaison Manager, Regional Stewards Manager, Chairman of the Jumps Review and Jumps Riders Panel and more recently as Deputy Chairman of Stewards.

Montgomery said it was an honour to be taking on the role of Chairman of Stewards at RV.

“I’m privileged to lead a stewards panel that embodies remarkable talent and unwavering dedication,” Montgomery said.

“Robert Cram built an excellent team during his tenure as Chairman which I’m now privileged to lead, and I look forward to upholding and enhancing our steadfast commitment to the integrity of Victorian racing.

“My focus as Chairman will be to continue to upskill and develop our Stewards, support and work with our industry participants and ensure the oversight of safe, fair, clean and competitive racing.”