TAMWORTH trainer Wayne Brown and apprentice jockey Jack Baker were two of the special guests at a Hillvue Public School information day in Tamworth recently.
Representing the equine racing industry, they attended alongside members and personnel of the Police Force, Ambulance, Fire Brigade, Medical Services, Army and Education Department.
Brown said the Information day was well attended and students were briefed on “what we do and how to enter each of the industries”.
“It was well received by all. The school was most grateful for our attendance and young Jack was a real hit, his youth and only being fresh out of school seemed to spark plenty of interest,” Brown said.
“The professionalism attached to our industry and the many and varying opportunities created great conversation within the students.
“Tamworth Jockey Club has been most helpful to me and it was great to repay them and the industry for what I have received in some small way.
“I believe this may be an ongoing event and hopefully other persons attached to racing may be able to support this project.”
Wayne Brown is one of 26 trainers currently based and working out of the Tamworth track, advised Tamworth Jockey Club general manager Jack Penfold. The TJC has four full time staff and another “five or six casuals” who help run the TJC, which races 20 times a year.
More than $6.6million in revenue was received in the last financial year while almost $5million in prizemoney was dispensed. A loss of $103,318 was incurred by the TJC for the recent year.
“That was disappointing but a lot of that went to maintenance work, refurbishment of stables and drainage work on the track,” Penfold said.
“We spent a lot of money on refurbishment of our tie-up stalls as well.”
He said the club races again next Tuesday, November 26.
“The track is in good order, the recent rain has helped the track out, too.”
Words: Geoff Newling
Image: Bill Poulos
