THE Swan Hill Trotting Club will be under new leadership when crowds are finally welcomed back on course later this month, after Noel Watson was elected club president.
Watson takes over from outgoing president Gerard Moloney, who after six years at the helm, decided to step away from the main role.
Moloney will remain on the committee as vice-president and will be joined in the role by Steve Jenvey.
When speaking with The Guardian this week, Watson was enthusiastic about the challenge ahead, while also optimistic about the next twelve months.
“I’m excited, because we’re on the up – crowds are back on course and Gerard’s done the hard yards through the COVID period you could say, so hopefully its onwards and upwards from here,” Watson said.
“We can welcome crowds back now, which is going to help our sponsorship and our turnover, which is what the whole industry is based on.
“We’ve had increasing numbers in our race meetings in terms of nominations too, which has given us the ability to boost the number of races per meeting as well – and I think some of the major trainers like the Justices and Kerryn Manning have picked up what’s on offer at our track, with big long straights and mile rates for their mares to get a quick time with.”
The next meeting for the Swan Hill Trotting Club will be on Monday December 13, with the long-awaited return of crowds to the track.
“With COVID, we’ve still got certain requirements and we have to make sure we have everything covered in that regard – but Santa’s going to be there, and that’s always a big attraction for the kids, and even though it’s on a Monday night, we’re still hopeful of welcoming a big crowd along,” Watson said.
