The success of Country Race Clubs comes down to what each and every Club can offer participants. There are a lot to of services provided by every Club, ranging from Professional services like Vets and Ambulances to the tireless work of Farriers, Starters, Barrier attendants and Clerks of the Course, let alone volunteer committee members.
Clubs rely heavily on these attendants who, let’s face it, without them, there would be no racing.
The Goondiwindi Race Club has a very strong band of dedicated workers, and on Saturday, the Club saluted one of the longest-serving attendants any club could wish to have.
A local lad, Russell Mortimer, was first enticed to join the Club in 1988 by Club stalwart and racing enthusiast Les Zacka who had several reasonably good horses at the time.
Since then, Russell has officiated as Clerk of the Course at every meeting the Club has staged, racking up 35 years of service to the Club. Undoubtedly, he has seen several changes in that time and certainly, the attention to jockey safety and animal welfare have been two of the most notable changes.
Club President Cutter Hayes noted the unbelievable dedication Russell had afforded the Goondiwindi Race Club and his love of the Racing Industry as he completed the presentation at the Goondiwindi Cup meeting at Gunsynd Park.
His family joined Russel for the special occasion and no doubt there are many stories like the Russell Mortimer story but not too many can beat Russell’s effort.
