George leaves with Ellerslie in a strong position, with three $1million races programmed for next season and overall stake levels high.
"I love this place and I'm proud that the efforts of a lot of people have seen our stakes rise significantly over the last five years," says the 41-year-old.
"Our focus has been ensuring we could maximise our commercial activities off the track so we could return money to our core business -- racing.
"We have been able to do that through property, the Ellerslie Events Centre, the golf driving range inside the racetrack, even things like the Popup Globe season we have had here and the car fair every week.
"All those things create revenue that goes back into racing."
Ellerslie has developed a reputation as one of Auckland's party hubs over summer, with its twilight meetings proving hugely success, none more so than the Karaka Million in January.
"We are very proud to be able to hold such a huge race meeting in conjunction with New Zealand Bloodstock and I'm thrilled knowing how big it is going to be next season."
George also takes pride in the consistency of Ellerslie racing's surface, especially during the busy summer season, at a time when some tracks around the country are struggling.
But after a decade at the top of New Zealand racing, George is adamant tough decisions need to be made.
"We need strong leadership now more than ever, people who can make the big calls.
"I think racing has been guilty for too long as just going along with what we have always done.
"Anything that can improve the industry should be open to discussion and put on the table.
"And we need to get the funding model right so money can be invested in the areas where it will generate the best returns for the whole industry."
