STEVE HETHERTON: I’m extremely excited and feel very fortunate to be provided with an opportunity to work with the Albury Racing Club, which boasts an enormously long and rich history in our region. I’m very aware of the importance the Albury Racing Club plays in the community and the economic benefit to our region. I have some wonderful memories at the club starting from a very young age right through until we moved away 10 years ago.

BG: Is racing administration your dream job and something you have always aspired to do?

SH: I’ve always had the passion to be involved within the industry but in what form that was I was unsure because for the past 16 years I thoroughly enjoyed a successful career in the regional media industry. However, after gaining valuable experience in media management I started entertaining the thought that this role could be a great fit for myself and the club so I’m proud of the fact that it’s come to fruition.

BG: It has been a decade since you were last on the Border. Where have you lived and what roles have you held?

SH: After six years at Prime Albury, we moved our family to Coffs Harbour in 2009 for a management position with Southern Cross Austereo who own and operate radio and TV stations and I’ve been with them since that time. From Coffs Harbour we relocated to Bendigo to form part of the management team that managed the Bendigo and Ballarat offices. We then relocated to Mackay and The Whitsundays to take up a general manager position but after three years I was asked to move to Shepparton and given that got us closer to Albury I accepted. Being asked to move interstate every couple of years was tough on the family but it’s been worth it given the experience I gained. It’s now time for our family to settle back in our home town so our children can call Albury home as well. This is something we have always wanted for them.

BG: What did you miss most about living on the Border?

SH: We missed family, friends and a lot of the little things that some may take for granted such as having the river and the lake at our doorstep, great education options, business opportunities and great sporting facilities to name a few. In my opinion there’s no better place to raise a family.  

BG: You started your new role on Monday. I guess there isn't much time for a honeymoon period and your immediate focus is making the $150,000  SDRA Country Championship Qualifier on February 23 as successful as possible?

SH: The SDRA Country Championship Qualifier presents a huge opportunity for our region to capitalise on the exposure it generates through the efforts of Racing NSW promotion and publicity. It’s a wonderful carnival of country racing and if we are successful on the day we give ourselves the best opportunity of being considered for future qualifying races and other unique concepts. We need to ensure it’s well supported by local businesses and the wider community. Our local trainers and owners’ horses can secure a spot in the field for the $500,000 final held at Royal Randwick and that would be a fantastic outcome as well. The $370,000 prize money on offer makes this our second biggest race day behind the Gold Cup race day so everyone can expect to see some quality racing on the day. At the club on the day there will be some unique opportunities for anyone thinking of attending.

BG: Do you think the meeting being held on a Saturday as opposed to a Sunday will help draw a bigger crowd and turnover?

SH: We believe we will attract a bigger crowd given it’s a Saturday and with the $370,000 prize money on offer, we are aiming to secure big fields which will aid turnover. Racing NSW are heavily supporting this event and with their backing and great local support we can deliver a great outcome for all participants and stakeholders.

BG: The Albury Gold Cup is not far away either. Is it daunting knowing you will be overseeing one of the biggest events on the Border so early in your tenure?

SH: We have fantastic staff at Albury Racing Club both existing and new, not to mention previous staff who had already been working on some elements of the carnival. Along with our experienced board members and long-term partners who have been working with and supporting the Gold Cup Carnival for many years now, I’m confident that we will deliver a successful event once again despite the short lead in time for myself.

BG: You would be happy the Gold Cup carnival has reverted back to the traditional two-day format?

SH: It’s an outstanding result for all concerned to revert back to the two-day format. There are many economic benefits and it’s vital that we continue to grow these benefits.

BG: What do you feel are some of the biggest issues facing racing?

SH: There is no doubt that attracting crowds to race days is a challenge across the industry and we need to be looking at new and exciting opportunities for our members, regular race-goers and potential customers to engage with our club on race day. With challenges comes great opportunity and we will endeavour to enhance the experience for new and existing customers.

BG: What are some of the improvements at Albury Racing Club you would like to see implemented in the short-term?

SH: With only a few days in the job I’m listening to anyone that has an interest in our club so we will definitely look to make improvements in the short term but with a longer term view on how it fits within the Albury Racing Club Board’s overall strategy.

BG: It's fair to say you are passionate about racing. What is your favourite meeting to attend and why?

SH: Derby Day at Flemington or Randwick is the meeting I enjoy most because of the quality fields. I’ve been attending the Derby Day at Flemington with great friends for about 20 years now. The many Country Cup meetings I’ve attended have been some of the most enjoyable from a socialising aspect though.

BG: Have you ever owned a horse and if so, have you had much success?

SH: Like many racing enthusiasts I have owned a small share in a few horses with limited success. The year Baby Bomber won the Gold Cup I had a small drink from the cup after running into Peter Wolk and since then I’ve always wanted to win the Albury Gold Cup. 

BG: What are your other interests and hobbies outside of racing?

SH: I enjoy watching local footy and playing some golf and now that we are back on the Border we will be catching up with great friends.