Newcastle Jockey Club (NJC) chairman Geoff Barnett will ride off into the sunset after stepping down from his coveted role.
And, it appears he’s leaving as a winner following the organisation’s successful staging of The Hunter at the weekend.
After 12 years at the helm, the affable Barnett is set to officially hand over the reins at the NJC’s December board meeting.
“I could not have spent the time at the club without family support, particularly my wife Maureen,” he said.
“We’ve been a team.”
In fact, the Barnetts have raced many horses over the years with Australian Bloodstock, including Newcastle Cup winner Mugatoo and Ashrun, which finished fourth in the Melbourne Cup.
His decision to part ways with NJC has been in the pipeline a while, informing Racing NSW boss Peter V’Landy some months ago.
“Maureen and I have businesses in South Africa and Cardiff, so we’ll be doing a lot of travel next year,” Barnett said.
“I love this club and was proud to be the chairman for a lengthy period.
“Although, I intend staying on the board for at least another 12 months.
“We have a terrific executive and wonderful staff at the NJC.
“I truly believe I’m leaving the club in a good position.
“Our current CEO Duane Dowell joined the NJC after gaining experience at the Muswellbrook Race Club and his contribution going forward has been exceptional.
“I was so proud of The Hunter last weekend, as I think it was one of the great race days in all aspects in my years with the organisation.”
It hasn’t been all smooth sailing for Barnett, who was voted onto the board in a ballot in 1999 and elected as vice-chairman in 2009.
In 2011, Racing NSW stewards deemed the Broadmeadow track as unfit for racing.
As a result, it closed the course proper.
The chairman at the time resigned and the board elevated Barnett to the position.
He, along with the NJC, carried out major remediation on the course proper, which allowed the club to continue racing.
Barnett then applied to Racing NSW for funding to replace the section at a cost of more than $12 million.
It’s now recognised as one of the state’s best and fairest circuits.
“There have been many highlights in my time in the chair but the rebuilding of the course proper stands out,” he said.
“Another was a year or two back when Newcastle was selected to run the postponed Group 1 Metropolitan race meeting.”
But, Barnett admitted, he leaves with one pang of guilt.
“There is a disappointing issue during my chairmanship,” he acknowledged.
“My major regret is that I have not been able to improve our stables.
“Newcastle trainers are some of the best in New South Wales and deserve better facilities that we can afford.
“I have fought hard and long for funding over the years.
“And, while we are still pressing for money, I wish I could have achieved the result the club sought.”
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