members, Shane Carter (treasurer), Helen Polack (secretary), Tony Polack (president) and Jarrod Marsden (vice president and race day secretary) with general committee members (at rear) Mick Coffey, Bill Fugar and Jim Goonrey.
Racing will continue in Cobar in 2026 after the Cobar Miners Race Club elected a new committee at their annual general meeting last week.
The future of the sport had been in doubt after the club failed to gain a quorum for their first AGM a fortnight ago, however following last Wednesday’s second attempt at a meeting, all executive roles have now been filled and the club is ready to race in 2026.
Tony Polack was elected for his second term as president with former president Jarrod Marsden taking on the vice president’s role and race day secretary’s positions.
Shane Carter was elected as their new treasurer and will bring a wealth of experience to the role as a past treasurer of the Cobar Bowling & Golf and Cobar Rugby League clubs, and having also been responsible for balancing the high school’s budget for a number of years.
Helen Polack was returned to the secretary’s role and Miranda Fry is the club’s new Fashions on the Field Coordinator.
Six others were elected to the general committee.
In his 2025 president’s report, Tony reported the committee recognises their two race days last year were important social opportunities for the Cobar community.
He praised the support of the club’s sponsors, horse trainers, jockeys, stewards, bookmakers, race day officials and the committee for their contributions over the past year.
Tony reported improvements had been made over the year including the installation of a new inside running rail to meet NSW Racing compliance, enhancements to the main bar and the club also celebrated National Jockeys Day.
He advised a Life Membership honour had been bestowed on Jarrod Marsden in recognition of his longstanding service to the club and also acknowledged the passing of long-time committee member, Glenis Prisk, saying her dedication and support to the club will be missed.
Tony said the club had been grateful for a $20,000 community donation from Aurelia Metals to purchase picket fencing and also welcomed the recent donation of 80 chairs from the Inter Mine Golf Challenge Committee.
He now looks forward to 2026 being a successful racing season.
