Andrew Clark started in racing's equivalent of the mail room and 20 years later he's risen through the ranks to become the boss at Canberra Racing Club.
Clark began his career at Thoroughbred Park as a casual with the photo finish crew in 1998 and after graduating from ANU he started in the finance department.
New Canberra Racing Club boss Andrew Clark. Credit:Sitthixay Ditthavong
He's spent the past 12 years as the chief financial officer and last month replaced Peter Stubbs as the club's chief executive.
Clark comes to the helm at a crucial time as the club decides whether to sell part of their land on the north side of the course which lines Canberra's new light rail.
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The strategic plan for Thoroughbred Park will be released next month and the board are expected to approve the sale to developers which will net the club millions.
Clark said the potential land sale was "very much in the drafting process" and emphasised he was looking forward to leading the club into a new era.
"I started at the club as a casual doing the photo finish in the judges box, it was a good job to have at uni," Clark said.
"I didn't have a family background in racing but I certainly got into it by just having a punt and enjoying a day at the races and things grew from there.
"I have owned horses over the years but dont own any at the moment. I'll steer clear of that at the moment with conflict of interests.
"I'm very close with Peter [Stubbs] and for 15 years he was my boss, it was just the two of us in the executive and we'll continue to stay in touch.
"We are reviewing the structures we have in place and we should have all beds down over the coming six months.
"We're headed in a very positive direction and are pushing ahead with the strategic plan and it's onwards and upwards."
Clark is committed to continuing Canberra's $50,000 Federal despite ACT trainers being allowed back in the $75,000 Highway Handicaps.
Trainer Rob Potter has moved his stable from Capricorn Park to Canberra and has three runners at Thoroughbred Park on Friday, two of which have been tipped by John Scorse.
SCORSE'S SAUCE
CANBERRA – JOHN SCORSE
Best bet: Race 2, No. 2 Grundalina
Both runs from Grundalina have been first class this preparation all be it on soft tracks, couple of placings on the good, beautifully placed here, looks too good.
Best value: Race 5, No. 2 Lytafyre
Showed brilliant speed frst up but probably went too keenly, blinkers off and back a 100 will see him hard to run down from the rails.
Race 1
Tips: 2 Confidential, 4 Canford Calling, 6 Greyfell, 3 Eerised
Confidential's last two over the staying trip have been very good, got back a mile last time in the big field, not
as much traffic this time and he looks too good. Canford Calling most consistent of late and looks the main danger. Greyfell Runs the trip strongly and is a place claim while Eerised the next best.
Race 2
Tips: 2 Grundalina, 4 Te Ata, 7 Pink Moscato, 6 Jellies
Grundalina looks beautifully placed class wise and at the weights both provincial placings this preparation
make her a clear top pick here. Te Ata Hard to catch but genuine excuses last couple, looks the danger on the back up here. Pink Moscato should be at peak after three runs this preparation and Jellies next best.
Race 3
Tips: 1 Polyxena Lightly, 4 Paris Carver, 6 Ticked Off, 5 Kopaonik
Polyxena Lightly raced but shows good potential, she was solid at Wagga first up and looks very hard to beat
here. Paris Carver chased hard behind Lulu Raez first up, second up form is good and she will run well again. Ticked Off good effort after a wide run first up, she can utilise the rails gate here. Kopaonik Consistent when last in work, dont leave out of the exotics.
Race 4
Tips: 4 Monterey Lad Both, 1 Katatonic, 8 Datai, 2 Sugar Pine
Monterey Lad Both runs as a two year old at the provincials, resumed with a very good effort at Nowra in a
very strong maiden, extra 200m in his favour. Katatonic no luck on debut but a big improvement last time
at Wagga, should be on speed and look the winner at some stage. Datai no luck on debut when wide all the way, off one trial only, she could improve here. Sugar Pine chance in the multiples.
Race 5
Tips: 1 Last Starfighter, 2 Lytafrye, 10 Farthing Wood, 3 Sennacherib
Last Starfighter resuming from a long break, but super two year old form in all three runs. Looks the winner if ready. Lytafyre big effort when first run for the new yard at Nowra, suited coming back a 100m and blinkers off. Farthing Wood even effort first run for new yard, back in distance a query. Sennacherib – watch market.
Race 6
Tips: 2 Lucky Prospector, 1 Critical Touch, 5 Vigorish, 7 Addchan
Lucky Prospector both runs this preparation first class, should be suited by the strong speed and will take plenty of holding out here. Critical Touch just run down last start, loves this track and trip and will lead for a long way here. Vigorish Smart type but racing a little below his best, drawn in again which does not suit his pattern, big chance at his best while Addchan next best.
Race 7
Tips: 5 Lansala, 3 Denman Diva, 4 Irish Songs, 1 Supreme Lad
Lansala smart type who showed a great turn of foot winning first up, good second up form makes him the one to beat here. Denman Diva run off her legs first up, better suited up to 1200m. Irish Songs has been very good this preparation, last two in town very good for this. Supreme Lad next best.
Race 8
Tips: 3 Imanacheeva, 6 Diamond Charlie, 11 Honour the One, 8 Skye and Me
Imanacheeva first two back very good, disappointed last time but he can bounce back here. Diamond Charlie big effort in defeat last time, chance with a softer run. Honour the One not beaten far last couple has some claims here. Skye and Me next best.
Eamonn Tiernan is a sports reporter with The Canberra Times
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