THE CHAIRMAN
In March 2018, Amanda was named The Victorian Wakeful Club, “Lady of Racing” which acknowledges outstanding contribution by a female to the sport of thoroughbred racing.
Her legacy as VRC Chairman? Everyone agrees on what tops the list.
The unique Club Stand, opened in spring 2018 – on time, on budget, exceeding all expectations – is the emblematic achievement, modern as tomorrow yet paying tribute to a rich tradition. Members speak of it as Amanda Elliott’s stand. Former Board colleague and then Club Honorary Treasurer, Tim Poole, describes her role as “relentless and inspirational – the stand could RSXLEZIFIIRHSRI[MXLSYXLIVƹ8LIǻRMWLIWMRXIVMSVWEQFMIRGI EXXIRXMSRXSHIXEMPEPPVIǼIGX&QERHE*PPMSXXƶWWX]PI8SGSQTPIXI the project, in the spring of 2019 the work with the Colours Building precinct was transformed into a beautiful, elegant stairway giving access directly from the train station into the Betting Ring and the Club Stand – this area has been renamed the Colours Stairway. While the Club Stand was being designed and built, the Chairman shared her enthusiasmwith VRC members. Completion allowed the Club to expand its membership: numbers grew by 10 per cent. Tim Poole speaks of a brilliant commercial and strategic mind, along with “her devotion to members, what’s in their best interest, what the VRC should aspire to be, how the VRC should position itself in global VEGMRKLS[XSVYRERSXJSVTVSǻXQIQFIVFEWIHGPYFƹ Not least of the successeswas ensuring that constructionworks and the tight schedule did not diminish the raceday experience for members. The general publicwas never forgotten either, with enhanced facilities such as “The Park” on the Hill. The Melbourne Cup Carnival of 2017was a complete success - one to remember for all the right reasons.
How best to summarise Amanda Elliott’s other achievements?
• Building greater audiences for Flemington, locally and globally, on course and on screen – notably by inclusion in the “World Horse Racing” alliance, in partnership with the famous racing festivals of Ascot and Goodwood in England and the U.S.A. Breeders Cup.
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