September 4, 2015
An era came to an end this week when President John Lee did not seek re-election at the Nanango Race Club’s Annual General Meeting.
John had announced his intention to stand down at the Race Club’s Nanango Cup meeting on August 1, so the move was no surprise to anyone.
But his departure from the Race Club’s top job after almost four decades at the helm was a watershed moment in the South Burnett’s racing history.
And I think it’s timely to reflect on his marvellous contribution to racing in his hometown and local district.
When the Nanango Race Club re-formed in the late 1960s after a long hiatus, John Lee was an industrious foundation member.
He was the judge for the first meeting on 20 April 1968, a role he continued to fulfil for the following 39 years.
John was elected to the committee in 1969, served as Reg McCallum’s Vice President for six years, and was President from 1976 to 2015.
One of the key improvements he oversaw was the 1985 replacement of the old railway building with a new administration complex that was further enhanced with the enclosure of a public refreshment area and a hospitality room.
New horse stalls, kangaroo-proof fencing, the provision of extended cover and seating and a mounting yard extension are some of the many projects he and his team have completed.
Over the years, countless sets of winning connections, sponsors and guests relished the hospitality of John and his late wife Pat.
Although John has been exceptionally energetic and effective as an advocate and leader for his club, he has also assisted neighbouring counterparts with his long tenures in the judge’s box at Kumbia and Burrandowan.
Remarkably, he also found time to attend around 40 Stradbroke Days and to be associated with the Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade for sixty years.
John Lee received the 1992 Caltex Award for the outstanding Country Racing Administrator in the state and a Queensland Racing Community Award in 2010.
He is also a life-member of the South East Queensland Country Association.
A cattleman by profession, his extensive and enduring involvement in the sport has harnessed his tandem passions for horses and community service.
And his wagon’s wheels have certainly covered some territory!
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Last month’s XXXX Carrollee Hotel Nanango Cup meeting was a fitting finale for John Lee’s long term at the helm.
He has always taken great pride in the fact that NRC programs consistently attracted large fields, with an average that was consistently high on a Statewide basis.
The staunch stalwart had the satisfaction of a seven event card on August 1, with eight reserves among the 91 acceptors that were drawn from 20 different training venues.
A particular thrill was the compliment paid by Pat Randall, the successful Lismore trainer, who commented that Nanango’s celebratory reception for connections was a rarity.
The National Jockeys Trust Celebration Day ceremony, the presentation of life memberships and premiership trophies were other satisfying aspects for the former Nanango Shire Council’s Deputy Mayor sign-off meeting.
Lee was also delighted that local apprentice Hannah Phillips was the leading rider and that Captain Clayton, her main equine partner, was Horse of The Year.
The Danbird gelding is trained by Hannah’s father Barry, the runner-up to Patrick Sexton in the training division.
As the sun set on the racecourse that bears his name, John Lee’s next project is his September sortie to Fraser Island.
He’s made about 40 of these annual fishing trips.
This time, as he waits for the inevitable bite, he can steer his thoughts to the bank of highly satisfying memories of his term at the helm of the Nanango Race Club.
Thankyou, John, for your dedication to the sport and your perseverance in building a very successful race club in the face of innumerable obstacles over many decades.
You are a remarkable individual who has earned a respected place in the history of Nanango, the South Burnett and Queensland racing.
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New Faces At Nanango Race Club
The Nanango Race Club held its Annual General Meeting on Wednesday night.
Mr Andrew Green has stepped into John Lee’s former role of President, and he will be supported by Mr Graham Knight as Vice President.
The Race Club’s committee for 2015-2016 will be Barry Green, Bruce Webb, Harvey Harris, Jason Livingstone, Bernie Duncombe and James Webb.
A treasurer has yet to be appointed.
