Magazine - Track Manager Watson Retires from Flemington

By Editor in Racing / Equestrian on 30th Apr 2008 6:00

Victoria Racing Club (VRC) Chief Executive, Dale Monteith today announced the retirement of Terry Watson as the VRC's General Manager, Flemington, effective from Friday 2 May, after 43 years in the Victorian Racing Industry.

Mr Monteith said, "It was Terry's express wish that he be allowed to retire after turning 60 years of age earlier this year without any fanfare or advance public notice. The Board and I had no hesitation in supporting Terry's wish in this regard.

Terry came to the VRC with a lifetime of experience in track management and with the primary purpose of planning and realizing the VRC's dream of re-constructing, for the first time in its history, the Flemington course proper.

Due to considerable delays experienced with the construction of the flood wall and drainage system at Flemington, the course proper re-construction was only completed in September last year, two years later than expected, but with outstanding results.

Terry at all times had the complete confidence of the VRC Board with this project and oversaw every aspect of the design and construction of the Flemington track and I doubt whether any other racetrack in Australia, or the world, has ever had so much input from one individual."

Monteith said, "In my opinion if there is such a person as an expert in racetrack management, Terry Watson is it by the proverbial length of the Flemington straight.

Terry has agreed to act as a consultant to the Club with respect to the future management of the maintenance of the Flemington course proper and it is hoped his skills can be utilized by the wider racing industry.

"I don't think we will ever take the Flemington track out of the man or the man out of the track - it is Terry's pride and joy and his time with the VRC and the Melbourne Cup Carnival has, in his words, been the pinnacle of his career in racing."

Terry Watson commenced with the VRC in May 2001 after moving from the Melbourne Racing Club where he had worked for 36 years, including 31 years as racecourse manager, firstly at Sandown and later at Caulfield Racecourse.

The Board and all the staff at the VRC wish Terry, his wife Barb and their family a long and healthy retirement together and look forward to being able to enjoy the pleasure of their company at Flemington for many years to come.

Monteith also announced that Terry Watson's understudy for many years at Caulfield, and more recently at Flemington, the highly regarded Mick Goodie would take over full responsibility for the new Flemington course proper and training tracks and facilities effective from Saturday, 3 May.
"The Board and I have complete confidence in Mick Goodie's ability to carry on with the management of Flemington's racing and training facilities," Mr Monteith concluded.

VRC Media Release Published 28/04/08

Read more articles in Racing / Equestrian, by Editor or from April 2008.