Sanbrook's seven-year tenure will come to a close on March 1 after he shocked the club with his resignation on Monday.

He will leave the MTC to pursue a business opportunity as a consultant in the racing industry.

Sanbrook has established himself as one of the leading administrators in country racing during his seven years at the club and said the time is right for change.

"I was so grateful to be given the opportunity by the board of directors and I feel like we've made a lot of progress in the last seven years," Sanbrook said.

"I have a couple of opportunities on the horizon and I feel the timing is right to take them.

"The club finds itself in a strong position and it's good to be going while we're still on the way up.

"It's really sad to be going but at the same time, I'm looking forward to the next challenge."

MTC president Stuart Lamont said the club didn’t see the resignation coming. 

“Not at all,” Lamont said on Monday.

"Scott has been not just a wonderful employee, but a good friend as well, to so many people in racing.

"Scott has been an outstanding CEO for the club and we're very sorry to see him leave.”

Lamont said Sanbrook’s forward-thinking was one of his greatest strengths, along with his ability to ‘keep racing interesting out of carnival time’.

MTC will now begin the search for its third chief executive since 2000.