Wodonga's new racing boss says the combination of a career in the club industry and media, plus the voluntary president's role with the region's biggest basketball outfit has provided the ideal preparation.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Steve Wright was named general manager of Wodonga and District Turf Club on Tuesday.
"I think all of my previous roles tie in really well," he said.
"I've got a strong club background, being at Lavington Panthers for 12 years, there's the sales aspect with the media which gives me a strong marketing background as well and obviously my time with the Bandits has been about sports administration."
And that versatility has the club excited.
"Steve's certainly got experience with club management, with events, with the media and we expect he'll be a great ambassador for the club," interim general manager Paul Curtis said.
"He'll be able to build our sponsorship and membership and help develop the club along the lines of our master plan."
IN OTHER NEWS:
Just like his predecessor Tom O'Connor, who has just started in the top racing job at Warrnambool, the 41-year-old doesn't boast a background in racing.
"I'm going to have to learn the industry, I've always enjoyed racing, I've liked coming to the races, I'm not a huge punter, but I can't wait to get to know the industry and getting heavily involved," Wright said.
And that's something O'Connor did, with long-time former committee member Terry Maher, who recently stepped down, praising his willingness to learn after an outstanding stint.
"I'm lucky to be coming in at a good time with Tom and his team having done a great job for a long time and the club's in a really good position," Wright said.
"Hopefully I can bring in some new ideas and a bit of a fresh approach."
Wodonga is about to start work on a $250,000 underground watering system for the track, which will be held around the race meets.
The club's next event is also its biggest with the Wodonga Cup on Friday, November 29.
The likeable Wright will start on December 9.
The new position means the Bandits will require a president.
"I think unfortunately I probably will need to step down, I've put in five years and four as president, it's been really enjoyable and it's something I've been really passionate about, but with this new role I think it's time to hand it over to somebody else," he said.
"I'll still be involved, helping out and there as a supporter."
