Racing into a new era

Pare Parata-Waru, Bob Jarvis and Glenn Scott. (Joe Mastroianni)

There’s been a changing of the guard at the Werribee Racing Club, with a new chairman, vice chairman and events and functions manager.

Former vice chairman Bob Jarvis has stepped up to become chairman of the board, taking over from outgoing chair Leon Koch, while Chris Troman has replaced Mr Jarvis as vice.

Mr Jarvis has spent 40 years in racing, starting out with Central Victorian Racing. He has held positions with private stud and racing organisations and Kyneton and Hanging Rock racing clubs.

He also, by his own admission, has “lost a lot of money on race horses”.

Mr Jarvis said the Werribee Racing Club was in a great position to see 2017 out on a high.

“We’ve been given terrific race dates for next year,” he said.

“We really run two businesses here – the racing business, and an event and function centre.”

Meanwhile, Pare Parata-Waru has come on board as the function and events manager. Ms Parata-Waru has overseen a $40,000 redevelopment of the racing club’s birdcage, which includes new carpets, paint throughout and bathroom upgrades.

General manager Glenn Scott said the club would soon be gearing up for the spring racing carnival, with international horses expected to arrive at the international quarantine centre in late September.