I have very much enjoyed my first week in the chair as the Chief Executive Officer of Tasracing.
While I have spent this week getting to know the Tasracing team and gaining an understanding of the key issues that we (as an industry) are facing, over the coming weeks it is my intention to meet and interact with as many industry participants as possible.
While I have already attended a Greyhound Reference Group meeting and a Harness Industry Forum meeting, I will get the chance to meet other industry representatives next week with the official launch of the 2016 Luxbet Hobart Thousand and the launch of the 2017 Luxbet Tasmanian Summer Racing Carnival at Spreyton on the north west coast.
As I said when I was appointed to the position, I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to join the company during an exciting phase of its development.
My focus is not only on ensuring the long-term sustainability of the industry but seeing it develop further and thrive.
It was pleasing to welcome a new director to the Board – Robyn Wishaw – this week.
Robyn, who replaces retiring director Des Gleeson, is known to many in the industry as the owner and operator of the Armidale Stud at Carrick. She was also the most recent chair of the Thoroughbred Advisory Network.
While writing on the Armidale Stud, it is also appropriate to reference the recent recognition received by the stud’s foaling supervisor, Jenny Watson, who won the Thoroughbred Excellence and the Dedication to Breeding awards at the 2016 Australian Godolphin Stud and Staff Awards announced at Moonee Valley Racecourse.
A Group One breeder in her own right (she bred Palentino at her own McLeay Thoroughbred Stud), Jenny was nominated for 40-years of commitment to the breeding industry around Australia.
The awards ceremony was hosted by Racing Australia and Thoroughbred Breeders Australia.
Jenny received her awards in front of more than 100 guests.
The chairman of the judging panel, Johan Petzer, covered it well when he said:
“Jenny’s long-standing dedication and unwavering commitment to and knowledge of the breeding industry, complemented by a diverse and excellent skill set with an excellent and professional work ethic, including breeder stakeholder representation, made her a very worthy and deserving winner of the overall excellence award.”
Congratulations Jenny on an outstanding career to date.
Vaughn Lynch
Tasracing CEO