IN a groundbreaking, efficiency-creating first for Thoroughbred Racing SA (TRSA), a shared management team, led by current Gawler & Barossa Jockey Club CEO Shane Collins, will oversee operations at both the Gawler venue and Oakbank Racing Club.
The joint move by Gawler and Oakbank to deliver SA racing’s first shared services model has been welcomed by TRSA’s board and management.
“We believe it delivers a more efficient management outcome for the clubs and at the same time allows each club to maintain its own identity, with separate boards and committees retained,” TRSA’s CEO Nick Redin said.
“We’re looking forward to working with the shared services management team across both clubs.”
Respected administrator Collins will direct the management team servicing both clubs, effective from September 1.
Collins said while he appreciates the personal recognition, he sees this move as a credit to the work done by the entire team at the Gawler & Barossa Jockey Club.
“This really is a feather in the cap of the entire management of the Gawler & Barossa Jockey,” he said.
“The work done by the existing committee, and the direction that we’ve all gone down in the past few years has established a real stable and positive environment here.
“TRSA respect and understand that, and that’s why this model was put together.”
The new management arrangement, including Mr Collins’ appointment, has been strongly endorsed by the Oakbank Racing Club.
“We are excited to welcome Shane Collins and the shared services management team,” club chair Arabella Branson said.
“Shane’s knowledge of racing operations will be invaluable as we host three additional race days on top of our traditional Oakbank Week carnival this season.
“We thank the Gawler & Barossa Jockey Club committee for sharing Shane’s expertise with us, and also thank TRSA for the support in making this collaboration happen.
“We are working with Shane to deliver the first race day of our 2020-21 season on Sunday, September 13 – we look forward to hosting everyone and enjoying a great day trackside.”
The shared-management move has been described as a “win-win for both parties” by Gawler & Barossa Jockey Club chair John Hatch.
“It fits very well within our business model,” Hatch said.
“This agreement will see both clubs get a financial and resource benefit, which is a great result for all concerned.
“Importantly, both clubs get to keep their own identities – we’re just sharing administration services.
“It was a unanimous committee decision to go down this path, and we’re certain it will benefit both racing clubs involved, plus the racing community in general.”