From the Chairman
November 15th, 2023
In presenting my report for 2023 I can say that Moruya Jockey Club has performed exceptionally well by all measures. This was officially recognised when MJC was named a very close runner-up at the annual Country TAB Race Club of The Year presentation in Sydney recently.
Club membership is now 592 and the Board is working with architects and construction companies to expedite the development of final plans for a complex which will serve the needs of the public and Racing NSW for the next 30-50 years. The Board is close to submitting plans and costings to Racing NSW for approval. A priority for the Board is the major renovation of the Members toilets and Members area generally and this will occur as soon as possible after the busy summer Racing season.
A new complex of 30 stables will be built on course next year and the Board is working closely with consultants engaged by Racing NSW to ensure that this complex will be of the highest quality to suit the needs of trainers here on the coast. The project is funded by a NSW Government grant administered by Racing NSW.
The past year has seen record numbers in attendance at race meetings and non-race day functions, with bar sales, sponsorship and marquee hire are all up, the figures made more impressive because five of the eleven meetings were affected by rain on the day. Executive Officer Ken Brown and his small team have made marketing a priority by targeting identified groups, theming race days, and enhancing community involvement.
The Club continues to work with the Rotary Clubs of the Eurobodalla to significantly support community projects such as the Carer‘s Accommodation Unit at the new Moruya Hospital. Many other groups and individuals have been supported by MJC during the year, especially those involving Thoroughbred horses off the track.
The Club produced 848 starters over the financial year, up 20% on the previous year, indicating that Moruya racecourse is the preferred training facility on the South Coast. Track Manager Neil Perryman, consultant Brent Hull and their staff have produced top quality Racing and training surfaces under very difficult weather conditions; race clubs rise and fall on the quality of their tracks.
Two innovations of note this year; The Legend of The South, a $50000 race targeting higher quality horses and the Auditorium (phantom) meeting on Big Dance (Melbourne Cup) day. Both were very successful and will become more so over the years.
Ken Brown, MJC Executive Officer continues to be the driving force behind the success of the Club and the Board thanks him sincerely for his dedication and hard work. Kate Backhouse has been of invaluable assistance to Ken through the year and deserves the highest praise.
To all MJC staff, employed and volunteer, I say thank you. You are the reason for the success of the Club.
I thank all Participants and Sponsors for their ongoing support- the Board never takes it for granted and acknowledges the difficult financial times under which we are all operating.
I thank all Board Members for their contributions through the year. We are a good team.
It remains to wish one and all A Very Merry Christmas and I do so with the greatest of good will and pleasure.
Peter Atkinson
Chairman, Moruya Jockey Club
