The Narrabri Jockey Club has celebrated its 150th anniversary in style, hosting 120 people at an unforgettable dining experience on Saturday.
A ‘Spring Soiree’ was held, with Sunshine Coast-based Terra Firma Dining providing a unique, interactive aspect to the day’s celebration.
Guests mingled on the racecourse with the chefs and watched as they cooked on an impressive coal set up.
Guest speakers include respected and leading country horse racing trainer Brett Cavanough and Scone racecourse manager Digby Nuthall.
Both industry guests spoke on their roles in the racing industry and were impressed by the improvements the Narrabri Jockey Club committee have made over the past 12 months.
Mr Cavanough encouraged a ‘sister partnership’ arrangement with a club such as Scone Racing Club to ensure the vision the current NJC committee have of growth and keeping racing alive locally can be supported by other leading clubs.
Narrabri Jockey Club president Will Childs said the town had a rich history in horse racing prior to the club forming with records indicating racing events were held at various properties as settlers arrived in the area in the 1830s onwards.
“It wasn’t until 1874 the club was formed at a meeting held at the Greyhound Inn. Membership was two pounds and 28 men enrolled as members of what was then the ‘Namoi Jockey Club’,” Mr Childs said.
“The following year, 1875, the first race meeting was held.
“Back in its heyday and when racing was prominent, the club hosted four two-day meetings a year. The race meetings in this bygone era were key social events drawing crowds from across the district.
“Previous presidents of the club include well known family names to the Shire including Mr E Hogan, Mr L Quinn, Mr G Foxe, Mr R Terbutt, Mr P McNamara, and Mr J Haire to name a few. Several other well-known descendants of people here today have served as committee members in executive positions. Of recent years, life member Mr Bob Percival held this position for several decades and is still heavily involved with the club and is a much deserved and respected life member.
“Fast forward to 2024 and the club is thriving with membership at over 70 and has a strong committee that is eager to progress the club going forward.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the tireless efforts of committees and members from years gone by that have allowed us to continue this tradition and be here celebrating 150 years.”
Mr Childs said the weekend’s celebration was not only in recognition of 150 years but also a celebration of what the club aims to achieve in the future.
“We are here today at the racecourse, which the committee plan to work with the trust to maintain the legacy of horse racing in Narrabri. The club has developed a strategic plan to elevate the site including the building of new infrastructure that will allow the site to be a premier community events and entertainment asset,” Mr Childs said.
“By hosting today’s event we are showcasing the racecourse the committees have built and maintained over the past 150 years. We aim to expand on that so the club and racecourse can develop with the rest of the shire to serve the community for years to come.”
Mr Childs thanked the jockey club’s supporters and sponsors, particularly the day’s major sponsor Santos.
“You have been a supporter of the Narrabri Jockey Club for the past decade or so and we appreciate your ongoing support,” he said.
“Thank you to Maules Creek Campdraft committee for lending us their bar today. Also many thanks to Boland Petroleum for supporting this event.
“To all of our guests, thank you for sharing this occasion with us. I notice there are several local business people here that have a long history of supporting the club. Thank you for coming.
“Lastly, thank you to the amazing committee and members who have all been busy preparing for this event. We are fortunate to have so many dedicated volunteers who want to see the club go ahead for years to come.”
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