About the
Strathalbyn Racing Club
Our History
It all began with WG Watt calling a meeting of interested persons to form a Race Club in Strathalbyn
The meeting was held at the Victoria Hotel on 18th February 1922 and attended by 24 men as a result the Strathalbyn Racing Club (in its present form) was formed. WG Watt (officially known as “Bill”) was elected President and GD Jones was elected as Secretary, a position which he then held for 33years.
Established in 1922, the Strathalbyn Racing Club Inc (SRC) is situated in the picturesque Adelaide Hills town of Strathalbyn, a 50-minute drive from Adelaide. As one of the provincial racing clubs in South Australia, the SRC offers racegoers, fourteen race meets a year in a picturesque setting surrounded by neatly manicured lawns and stunning rose gardens.
The third largest training centre in SA, home to forty trainers of varying stable size from four to forty-four, from all over the Fleurieu Peninsula as far as Waitpinga, Echunga and Wistow. Offering two grass tracks and most popular the sand, trot track, bull ring and sand roll.
Strathalbyn Race Club is fortunate to now own the land on which the racecourse and grounds are situated.
The club is very much driven by its members, racing stakeholders and local community. It recognises he need to be Innovative, focussed and customer serviced driven, in partnership with Racing SA.
Our Vision
To be the leading SA Provincial Race Club by providing positive racing experiences, and events.
Our Mission
Engage with racing stakeholders, members, community, and sponsors to deliver vibrant, successful, and sustainable outcomes
Core Values
Integrity
Honesty in what we say, do and think
Sustainability
Robust and sustainable systems for the future
Quality
Service to all stakeholders that we are proud to stand behind
Community
Active contributor to the local area with community engagement
Safety
Look after each other and consistently look for safer ways to work
Passion
Enthusiasm, desire, and commitment to succeed and improve
Inclusion
A welcoming environment that embraces differences
Teamwork
Sharing the challenges and the successes
Board of Directors
Trevor Barker
Chairperson
Trevor Barker, pleased to represent the Strathalbyn Racing Club as a board member, brings extensive experience from his careers as a police officer, hotel industry senior manager, and hospitality training consultant, aiming to support the board and enhance the racing experience for members, stakeholders, patrons, and sponsors.
Stephen Smedley
Deputy Chairman
Stephen Smedley, involved in the racing industry since 1966 and a board member of the Strathalbyn Racing Club for the past three years, believes in the importance of active membership and has successfully introduced the 'Early Bird Membership' initiative to grow and retain club members.
John Birch
Director
John Birch recently retired to Hahndorf after a 45-year legal career, serving as a solicitor and later as a Judge and Deputy Chief Judge of the Northern Territory Local Court. His racing involvement spans memberships and committee experience across Wagga Wagga, Townsville, Darwin, and Alice Springs Turf Clubs. As former Chair of the Racing Appeals Tribunal NT, John offers substantial legal expertise and industry insight to support the future direction of the Strathalbyn Racing Club.
Ian Johnson
Director
Ian Came to us with a strong background in Sailing, Yacht Brokerage, and Purchasing, and also taught Business Management and Marketing at Tafe.
He moved to Strathalbyn From NSW, where he had a strong interest in racing and immediately joined our club as a member, and then went on to become director. He is a enthusiastic worker and is excited to be part of the team dedicated to making our club a prominent member of the South Australian Racing Community
David Kittel
Director
David Kittel, actively involved in racing for 40 years, has held roles such as President of the Wangaratta Turf Club and Director on the Country Racing Board of Victoria, while also owning various businesses and farms in Victoria.
Russell Oates
Director
Russell Oates, a retired business professional and Strathalbyn resident, brings more than 40 years of experience in sales, management and business ownership, including senior roles in the carpet manufacturing industry and the successful operation of hospitality and retail businesses, and looks forward to contributing his experience and community focus to the continued growth of the Strathalbyn Racing Club.
Damien Wilton
Director
Damien Wilton brings 25 years of experience in the South Australian racing industry, successfully running a long-standing Racing Management Business and working as an independent analyst for leading trainers including Phillip Stokes and Tony McEvoy. He has managed the careers of multiple premiership-winning jockeys and guided international apprentices now thriving in Hong Kong. Currently SA State Executive for the Australian Trainers Association, Damien aims to strengthen the Strathalbyn Racing Club with his extensive industry knowledge and connections.
Geoffrey Wood
Director
Geoff Wood, following 12 years with SAPOL, managed a Family Trust Hotel in Adelaide and then took on senior roles overseeing large clubs, hotels, and a resort. Recently, as GM of the Alyangula Recreation Club, he supported Gemco Mining’s operations. Geoff has received multiple awards, including NT Club Manager of the Year and Best Developed Licensed Premise. A horse racing enthusiast having also served on the boards local Racing Clubs.
Gabrielle Cahill
Director
Gabrielle Cahill, a passionate racing enthusiast and long-time community volunteer, brings 30 years of managerial experience within the Department of Health and extensive board leadership through her involvement with the local bowling club, and is proud to contribute to the continued success and growth of the Strathalbyn Racing Club as a member of its board.
Senior Staff
Trevor Taylor
CEO
Trevor Taylor, CEO of Strathalbyn Racing Club, has senior experience as a Stipendiary Steward in the Thoroughbred Horseracing Industry. Raised in a racing family, he has held roles such as GM of Muswellbrook Race Club and Chairman of AMI in South Australia. Trevor holds an MBA, has launched loyalty membership clubs, and authored a book on CRM. He has also tutored MBA students and given numerous marketing presentations.
Erik Broad
Track Manager
Erik brings over a decade of experience in turf management and equine operations, with a career spanning both international and in Australia. He began as a greenkeeper at Carton House Golf Club in Ireland, developing advanced turf care skills before moving into racing as Stable Manager and Assistant Trainer at Lindsay Park. Now as Track Manager and Curator at Strathalbyn Racing Club, Erik combines his technical expertise with a strong focus on Work Health & Safety (WHS), ensuring the track meets the highest standards of performance, safety and presentation.
Lukas Wright
Assistant Track Manager
Lukas Wright holds a Certificate III in Sports Turf Management and has built his career across both golf and racing. After completing two years as an apprentice at Murray Bridge Golf Club, he joined Murray Bridge Racing Club, where he has worked for the past three years. In 2024, Lukas was a finalist for the TMSA/ATSMA Graduate of the Year Award. Growing up around horses and helping his grandfather, a horse trainer, sparked his lifelong passion for the racing industry.
Shauna Ribbons
Events and Bar Manager
With a lifelong love for horses and racing, Shauna Ribbons brings passion, precision, and unmatched energy to the Strathalbyn Racing Club. As our Events Manager, she’s the driving force behind race day experiences that delight guests and celebrate the spirit of the sport. Known for her warm approach and meticulous coordination, Shauna’s deep industry knowledge and commitment to excellence make her a trusted face of the club. Whether it’s a major race meet or a function, she ensures every event leaves a lasting impression.
Annette Scolari
Office Manager
Annette Scolari joined the Strathalbyn Race Club in late 2021 as Office Manager after returning to South Australia with her husband, Terry, following many years of living overseas and interstate. She previously held senior management roles in the financial services sector and a helicopter rescue organization.
Mark Condon
Track & Maintenance Officer
Mark brings seasoned expertise to the racing world, with 25 years training and driving standardbred horses across NSW and QLD. A retired farrier with over 40 years of experience, he’s also worked alongside respected racehorse trainers and holds a Certificate III in Horticulture. Mark’s practical knowledge and lifelong dedication to animal care and land management make him a valued member of the team.
