Nor West Jockey Club collects racing gongs

A Pilbara-based horse racing club and one of its committee members have been recognised for their efforts in turning the organisation around in a single year.

The Nor West Jockey Club won the Innovation in the Promotion of WA Racing award at the 2019 Thoroughbred Regional Racing and Apprentice Jockey Awards last last month, while club secretary Leanne Mott was the worthy recipient of the Outstanding Contribution to Regional Racing Award.

Racing and Wagering WA general manager of racing Charlotte Mills said the Nor West Jockey Club’s 2019 season showed that the thoroughbred racing industry was well and truly alive and thriving in the Pilbara.

“The club had a remarkable season on all fronts, from record-breaking attendance numbers to memberships selling out and a fully sponsored event season before their first race day,” she said.

“This, along with the incredible atmosphere at the Roebourne Cup goes to show the incredible effort that the nine local volunteers that make up the NWJC committee put into making their season a success.”

NWJC president Nick Furnivall said the award was great recognition of the work they put in to increasing sponsorships, memberships and the profile of country racing.

“We were all but going to shut the doors nearly two years ago,” he said.

“So to come this far and be successful in putting on a great event in such a short time, is a big achievement.”

Mills said Mott’s award came from her incredible dedication to the Jockey Club.

“Leanne was the secretary of NWJC as well as being responsible for promotions, marketing, sponsorship and events — all on a volunteer basis,” she said.

“The huge uplift in attendance, from 150 racegoers in 2018 to 1100 in 2019, shows the success of her marketing efforts.”

The NWJC will be open for racing again in June 2020.