annual general meeting on Sunday morning at Dalton Park.
After what has been a very successful year for the club, Jarrod Marsden was returned as president at the Cobar Miners Race Club’s annual general meeting on Sunday.
In his 2023 President’s Report, Marsden said it had been an excellent year for the club “in almost every measurable and immeasurable way, but it is tempered with both the amount of upgrade work requested of us, and our ongoing issues around water”.
Marsden praised the work of the club’s small committee which had put in a great deal of “effort and passion” over the past year, including organizing a ‘Pop Up’ meeting with just two days’ notice.
“Things just got done,” he said.
“On the track we had excellent nominations and fields; we were well supported by jockeys and trainers; and we had no incidents involving horse or participant injury.
“You can’t ask for more than that.”
Over the past year a new gatehouse was constructed, final touches were made to the toilet blocks and new rainwater tanks were installed.
“With recent rain filling these tanks, this water will be valuable going on to the lawns over the summer,” he said.
Marsden said while the club had “an incredible sponsorship response” in 2022, this past year was even better with a number of new sponsors chasing the club to be involved.
“The impact this has on the club and what it allows us to do, is extraordinary,” he said.
Marsden gave notice at the meeting that it will likely be his final term as club president.
The recently elected Cobar Mayor said he’s happy to continue in the race club president’s role for another year, however with council, work and personal commitments, Marsden gave plenty of notice that he won’t be seeking re-election next year.
“I will be stepping down, but not away, I won’t be leaving the club in the lurch,” he said.
Also returned to the club committee were: vice president Vince Sikora, secretary/treasurer Natalie Prisk, race day secretary Tony Polack and publicity officers Kylie Marsden and Helen Polack.
The position of Fashions on the Field Coordinator was not filled at the meeting.
Secretary/treasurer Nat Prisk advised the meeting that after a very successful year in which the club almost doubled its profit, the club is now “financially liquid” which is a turn around from previous years.
Following recent changes in the racing industry, the club now has a large amount of upgrade work to do on (and off) the track before their next race meeting in June 2024.
