Liz Clarke takes the reins as the new boss at the Canberra Racing Club

The new head of the Canberra Racing Club is settling into her new role, and she already has big plans.

Liz Clarke was unanimously elected to the position in October, making her the first woman to serve in the role.

“I’m not viewing it as being about me, but more as being a face for other women, and particularly younger women,” she said.

“It shows you can have any role in the racing industry – we’re seeing more and more women getting involved and it’s really exciting.

“There are some good female support networks within horse racing – networks in Canberra and right across the world.”

Ms Clarke worked in the ACT Public Service until 2021. She was first elected to the committee in 2020 and served as vice-chair in the past 12 months.

“In that time, we’ve really been progressing the precinct redevelopment, which is key for the sustainability of our club and in creating a much more vibrant precinct for Canberra,” she said.

The proposed development would include accommodation, a commercial precinct, new stables and training infrastructure, and other facilities.

“The priority is definitely the precinct redevelopment,” Ms Clarke said.

“That’s the sort of thing that will be great for tourism as well.”

The project is awaiting planning rezoning approval.

Ms Clarke, a fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, will take over from Les Boag, who will remain a committee member and take up the position of vice-chair.

She is joined by Mr Boag as vice-chair, Mathew Ryan as treasurer, and Bob Brinckley, Ben McAlister, Dan Gaul, Emmanuel Notaras, Greg Friedewald, Nikki Pulford and Norm Gardner as committee members.

For the new chair, horses have long been a part of her life.

“The industry is part of my passions,” she said.

Ms Clarke said she was proud of the work Canberra Racing Club had done in recent years to safeguard the health of the horses involved in the racing industry.

“Working on and enhancing equine welfare has been really good, and improving our relationships with the community and other organisations and not-for-profit organisations,” she said.

“I’ve always had a passion for horses from when I was little, and I’ve been involved with my husband in a couple of syndicates of racehorses for many years.

“I want to be part of this industry that is really growing and see more women being involved.”

Ms Clarke said she was excited to work with the community and other stakeholders in the club’s key events.

One is the upcoming Canberra Community Chest race day, which will be held on 25 November at Thoroughbred Park.

“There will be 12 charities and not-for-profit groups united with an equine hero at the race meeting,” Ms Clarke said.

“I think that race-day meeting is going to be fantastic, and it just demonstrates how important working with the community is.”

Canberra Community Chest race day will be held on Saturday, 25 November, at Thoroughbred Park, 1 Randwick Road, Lyneham. Visit Thoroughbred Park for more information.