newsletter

MEMBERS UPDATE – March 2008

Alan Johnson

Chairman’s Comment:

How time flies, here we are in March already and we are talking about our exciting winter Carnival. The devastating E.I outbreak has had a major impact on all concerned in the racing industry and the Club is no exception. Whilst we returned to regular racing in December, the outbreak has set the Club back a year in its planning, and it is likely that we will record a loss this season.

Whilst E.I has slowed us down, we remain excited about our future. It must be remembered that we are still under a period of administration from Racing NSW, with our current Board fulfilling this role and we need to be mindful of how quickly we push ahead. On the table at the moment is the installation of a major pumping station that will provide significant assistance to our track drainage, the expansion of toilet facilities in both the members and public areas, the development of a facility Master Plan that looks at the future usage of the site we manage (members are welcome to make contributions to this process – Please contact Russ at the Club) and various maintenance and development works throughout the facility to improve amenities for training, members and the public.

The Board recognises that for the Club to go forward we need to focus on our training and racing facilities and we are working closely with Racing NSW to ensure they recognise the opportunity to make Coffs a regional training centre and to allocate addition meetings to us in the future, but this won’t happen over- night. One of the keys to this is to ensure we continue to grow racing turnover and we are reviewing all aspects to see how we can influence this.

The Cup Carnival is our lifeblood and whilst we have the public on board we need to work on the racing product. To this end the Gold Cup will move from 2300m to 1600m in 2008 and there will be a greater focus on our sprint races over the Carnival while there will still be a feature distance race on Cup day. Consideration will also be given in coming seasons to move to a Wednesday/Thursday Carnival that will assist in attracting higher profile horses and jockey’s.

We always appreciate the input of our members in developing our strategies in making this Club the best in the State. Please contact Russ or myself at the Club to discuss these and any other issues or suggestions you may have. We look forward to seeing you at the Races very soon.

Alan Johnson – Chairman

Westlawn Finance Easter Cup

We are racing Easter Saturday for the first time since our successful Pink Silks Day ($30,000 raised for the local Breast Cancer Groups – a special thanks to all for your support) in January. Westlawn Finance has come on board as our major sponsor for the day, in what has become a fantastic family activity. The meeting is a TAB matinee with 7 TAB and 1 Non TAB races. Gates open at 10.30 with the first race at 11am. Last local race at 3.40pm.

Members Chicken & Champagne Brunch:

E.I robbed members of a number of race meetings during the season and the Board would like to extend an invitation to join them for a Chicken and Champagne brunch at our April race meeting on Tuesday April 8th (note that original Sunday 6th date was moved due to Sydney’s Autumn Carnival). The brunch will be held in the members lounge from 11.30 am to 12.30pm with the first race programmed for 1.05pm. Please give the Club a call by midday on Monday 7th of April to let us know you are coming for catering purposes.

Members – Reserving a Table:

The Board has approved the opportunity for Members to reserve a limited number of tables in the Members Lounge on racedays (Excluding the Carlton Draught Coffs Harbour Gold Cup Day) if you have pre-ordered a catering package through the Club. Members must arrive before race one to secure their table. Please contact the Club for Catering information.

Wade Takes Over the Reigns:

In early February, Drew Cookson left the Club to take on the role as Racecourse Manager at Grafton and to be closer to his family. Drew provided some great drive over the past few years and we wish him all the best for the future. Drew’s departure opened the door for Wade (Wade Hickey) who had been Drew’s right hand during this time, to step forward and take over the Racecourse Managers responsibilities. The Board is delighted Wade has accepted the challenge and wish him every success. We are now on the hunt for staff to assist Wade and Phil in the grounds areas.

Betting Auditoriums:

The Club is currently investigating the opportunity for it to conduct a number of betting auditoriums on key race dates during the year, such as the Golden Slipper and Caulfield Cup etc. Tote and bookmaker facilities are made available on these days and more information will be passed on to members when details are finalised.

Function Business Growing:

One of the pleasing aspects of the past 9 months has been the continued development of the Club’s function and event business. In particular conferences, trade shows, private functions and weddings. This success comes down to a quality facility, but more important, to the quality service delivered by Simon and his team, lead by Matt and Karen, who continue to lift the bar in this very competitive market. Members are encouraged to consider the Club when you are looking at organising either a private or business function. You will be pleasantly surprised in what we can put together. Members discounts apply.

Upcoming Dates to Remember:

2008 Carlton Draught Gold Cup Day

Members who are interested in any of the corporate or private packages available on Cup Day are encouraged to get in early to avoid disappointment. Contact the office for more information or check the website www.coffsracingclub.com.au from April 1 for a full update.

Members are advised that general admission tickets this year will be $17 or they can be pre purchased for $15. At the request of Police and the Department of Liquor and Gaming, no under 18 year olds will be permitted on course on Cup Day. This is obviously targeting high school aged children from 14 to 17 years.

Displaying Membership Badges:

One of the main complaints we receive from Members is the number of people who come into the members who perhaps should not be there. Owners with horses racing on the day can also receive passes for the lounge. To assist staff with identifying persons who should not be in the room, please have your membership badges displayed in a prominent position wherever possible.

For more information on any of the above or on any other issue please give me a call on 6652 1488 Russ Atkinson Chief Executive