Racing Victoria Limited (RVL) chairman Graham Duff has called it quits after six years at the helm of the organisation's board and will not seek reappointment to the new independent board.

Duff will step down at RVL's annual general meeting on December 6 before the new board comes into effect.

Duff, 65, has served as RVL chairman since its inception in December 2001 and said the time was right for him to surrender the post.

During the past six years, Duff has presided over many changes in his leadership of a revolutionary new structure for racing in Victoria.

"After having secured the industry's support for a further restructure of RVL to a truly independent board, now is the time to make the move," Duff said.

"I'm extremely proud of the industry's achievements over the past six years and I am indebted to the unwavering support of my deputy chairman Michael Duffy, as well as the other 20 directors that have served RVL during my time as chairman.

"I have been considering my position on the matter of reappointment since earlier this year, but with the outbreak of EI (equine influenza) and the impending spring racing carnival, it did not seem appropriate for me to distract attention from the important tasks facing RVL at that time.

"I fully endorse the policy for election of a truly independent empowered board which is vitally important to face the wonderful opportunities and serious challenges ahead of the racing industry.

"I am looking forward to continuing my strong interest in and enjoyment of racing for many years into the future."

Seven positions on the 11 member RVL board became vacant for appointment as a result of the Thoroughbred Racing Industry Review completed by RVL and endorsed by the industry earlier this year.

Duff's term was to expire in December along with that of Duffy, Robert Hance, Lindsay Maxsted, Kevin McNamara, Peter McCarthy and Chinka Steel.

There has been growing dissension within the racing industry for a structural change to RVL before a new board is appointed in the coming weeks.

A group of 28 high profile racing identities last month expressed fears that all RVL board members seeking re-election would be returned.

The group, which included top trainers David Hayes, Lee Freedman, Brian Mayfield-Smith and Danny O'Brien, as well as leading owners and breeders David Moodie, Bob Ingham and Tony Santic, expressed a need for "generational change".

Dissatisfaction with the current board's performance on stake money, which the group believes has failed to keep pace with the costs owners and trainers have to pay, was a major issue.

Three existing board members are involved in the selection process of the new independent board.

Duff last month resigned as chairman of the Kangaroos Football Club.