Long-time volunteer, president, and recently anointed Life Member, Graeme Mathieson, has stepped down as President of the Narrandera Race Club at their recent Annual General Meeting.

Mathieson, moving into the role of senior vice-president, has made way for the NRC's new president, Mark Tait, acknowledging the decision was met with ‘mixed feelings’.

Still, he was confident that Tait was the right man to take the club forward into the future.

“I’ve been there a long time and had a fair bit to do with the club, so it wasn’t an easy decision,” Mathieson said

“Still, I am handing over the reins with the Narrandera Race Club in good shape.

“I’m really proud of what I’ve helped the committee achieve while I’ve been President, but I know Mark will take the club to bigger and better things.

“It’s the best committee we’ve ever had, and I’ve had a lot of support, and so will Mark, and look, he’s a genuine bloke, a local businessperson, and he’s been involved with Albury Race Club at a board level in the past, so he’s experienced and he’ll bring some fresh ideas.”

A veteran of more than 30 years on the NRC committee, Mathieson has served multiple stints as president and vice president.

Since the function centre was commissioned in 1999, he has been the licensee and invested in the NRC’s future.

During his tenure, Mathieson has been a tireless worker at all levels of the club and has demonstrated outstanding leadership combined with astute business acumen, helping the NRC to its current position as one of the leading country race clubs in the Southern Districts.

Mathieson has also been a contributor through his successful horse breeding and racing, achieving considerable success at both local and metropolitan levels.

His Riverbend property has produced many a good winner and horses, and is another testament to his hard work and love of racing.

When asked about a specific highlight during his time as President, Mathieson was quick to touch on the club’s current financial position.

“It’s no secret that past committees have done it tough, and it's now just a pleasure to be involved with the club and such a hard-working group of people,” he said.

“There have been a lot of little things that make me so proud, but being in charge of a club with a $70,000 Cup and Big Dance qualifier, and seeing the grounds with the new function centre, amenities block, and judges tower makes me very happy.

“Now, I just want to see the new jockey’s rooms completed.”

Tait thanked Mathieson for his stoic leadership of the NRC.

“Graeme offered stability, financial obedience, and a good demeanour; getting on with all the personnel there,”

Tait said.

“Graeme has done a great job, and I will still have him there as a backup with any challenges I experience in the role.”

Tait wants to continue on from the good work of Mathieson and previous committees.

“It’s a good committee; everyone has their particular roles, and they do it, and for me, the new jockeys’ rooms project is the main challenge,” he said.

“It’s still a bit of a challenge at the moment, and we are still waiting to see if we can get additional funding and prices on what it will cost.”

The NRC recently celebrated the 2025 season with a Christmas party held at the function centre, attended by committee members and many local racing fans and supporters.

Attention now turns to 2026, with the club set to make some exciting announcements in the new year relating to the upcoming season of racing, surprise guests, and sponsorship opportunities.