To some of my friends I am known as Gordonski. A nickname I once thought would be short lived, but it seems to have stuck. But, none of you lot need to know the reasons behind it. A better handle might be Sir Alex, because I feel a bit like the great football manager for whom optimism seems eternal, the quest for

improvement continual and the opportunities for success ever present.

 

In short, I am very optimistic.

 

The white hot crucible of decision making that was the AGM on 14th April 06, poured out possibilities that I believe will bode well for our sport. In foot-balling terms we have a good team in place. We have some

exciting new signings, some experienced players of note, some interesting prospects on the horizon and a team spirit that, if it continues will take us forward.

 

By way of new signings, Huw Evans is now a BHRC Steward and joins the Council. Is he our Ronaldo? I hope so. He trained a Musselburgh winner (Saunders Leopard) at 14, he bred Scoot Around, he is one of our major forces behind the success story that is Tregaron.  He brings experience dynamism and forward thinking to the team.

 

Robert Thompson is the new Regional Steward for the North. His no nonsense brand of operation coupled with deep integrity should help develop the sport further.

 

Roland Pugh is formally made up from Deputy to

Regional Steward for Wales & West and he is a man respected and liked by many.

 

David Lawrie, Stella Havard and Iain McLaren have all been returned for another term, as has Barry Delaney and myself.

 

There are still vacancies for Deputy Regional Stewards in Wales and the North and there are people highly commended who we are interested in signing. Rumour has it that Jackie Maguire might be on the transfer

market and we have the greatest respect for this lady.

 

A player of exceptional ability was seen at the AGM. He is too good for us to pass over and it is hoped that he can be persuaded to join us in whatever capacity and whenever he is able.

 

Known and highly respected in both Canada and

America, Colin Dalby is made of the right stuff and we like him. He didn’t get to train a future Little Brown Jug winner for Joe O’Brien for nothing.

 

However, for once I believe we have a major commitment to work as a team. I am totally committed to this, it is the only way forward. We all know what needs doing, we all know that our aim must be to get Off Track Betting and I do believe if we pull together we can improve the function and

perception of our sport.

 

 

Another player of the highest order, one who has won just about everything, stepped onto the park at Kendal. A stirring speech was delivered by David Taff, which was very well received and earned considerable support. David wants to see Drug Testing be enhanced in terms of the number and selection of horses tested, the manner of testing improved and tests carried out which will “catch the Chemists”. Technology has moved on very quickly over the last 6 months, for sure someone will always slip a horse something and slip through the net. But the net is tightening very quickly. We are working shoulder to shoulder with the rest of the world and we will catch people if they are drugging their horses. We all thank David for coming to Kendal, for driving this initiative forward the way he is doing.

 

We are very optimistic that we have persuaded a

Scottish TV Company doing a programme whereby Robbie Coltrane travels up country from the south of England to the North to stop off in Gods Own County and so a slot on Harness Racing. John Gill and Michael Lord have volunteered to help and it is hoped this will develop into something special. Well done John and Michael.

 

A new Satellite Sports Channel being developed to

ultimately sell sports betting has contacted us with a view to televising British Harness Racing. We are

starting to move in the right direction.

 

There is some interest being shown from far Eastern Europe to buy horses. I think this is a long way off, but it is a start.

 

On a sad note, Iain McLaren’s father has died recently and our condolences go to Iain and his family. Barry Gray M.B.E., certainly the most respected man in

Harness Racing, has had a few very difficult weeks and is ill. Neville Lever, we are informed, is also ill. We wish them both a speedy recovery.

 

So, to cut to the chase, you have me as Chairman again, I want to do the things I have been unable to do to date. I believe I have the team to do it with, I believe it will be a team and that we will all play our part. We hope so. I have had some difficult days recently and need to thank a lot of people, too many to mention, but not too few to make a difference.

 

However, I will never forget the kind words, advice and

encouragement given by Lord Lipsey and Lord

Langford.

 

 

 

I thank you all.

 

 

 

 

Gordon Garnett