Mr Wighton joins ARC after 11 years in charge at Corowa’s largest licensed club and will start in the role in mid-July.

He takes over from John Miller, who departs ARC after 13 years on Friday for the chief executive position at Sunshine Coast Turf Club.

"I want to continue the good work John and the team have done," Mr Wighton said.

"I've had a great time here and had great support from the board and staff obviously.

"But I felt it was time to look for an alternative."

Mr Wighton took over from Des Dell as Corowa RSL general manager after returning to the club from three years with Werribee Football Club.

He said all clubs were similar with the considerations of members and sponsors needing to be at the forefront.

"It doesn't change if it's an RSL club or a race club as long as you look after the people who are interested in that," he said.

"It's what the focus will be."

A previous racehorse owner, Mr Wighton spent part of Thursday doing a handover with Mr Miller before he starts his new role shortly.

ARC president Mark Cronin said Mr Wighton was a great choice from a large field of applicants.

"Michael looks forward to bringing his experience, enterprise and energy to the Albury Racing Club so as to continue to drive and promote the club's status as one of the major regional racing clubs, not only in NSW, but also in Australia," Mr Cronin said.

"Michael looks forward to meeting our members, major sponsors, platinum and corporate sponsors and industry participants and to establishing strong links and lines of communication with them."

ARC has only raced twice in the past 12 months due to major track renovation works.

Since the Gold Cup carnival in March it has had to forego two meetings including the Gundagai meeting on Thursday.

It's next scheduled meeting is August 1.

Mr Miller is taking over from former Murrumbidgee Turf Club chief executive Mick Sullivan, who has been in charge at the Sunshine Coast for more than 17 years.