Ashburton C.R.C. has good year

Press, 29 August 1984, Page 46

Ashburton C.R.C. has good year

Some unpalatable decisions made 12 months ago by the Ashburton County Racing Club’s committee resulted in marked improvement in the club’s financial affairs. This was revealed at the annual meeting last week when the president, Mr M. W. G. Archdale, told members that because of the cost-cutting moves a profit of $12,830 had been achieved during the season just ended. A loss of $14,437 had resulted from the club’s activities the previous year.

After last year’s unfavourable result it was decided that improvement could only be achieved by drastic measures. The committee had several options but it was finally decided,

reluctantly, to cease to employ permanent staff on the racecourse. Their tasks, in the main, were taken over on a non-payment basis by various members of the committee.

The impact of that move is clearly revealed in this year’s accounts. The expenditure on maintenance costs, which had included wages, was $12,208, a decrease of $14,398 on the 1983 figure. During the season the club distributed $96,250 in stakes. This included stake subsidies amounting to $33,400 and sponsorships of $BBOO. Stakes were up $5500 on the previous year.

The totalisator and T.A.B. provided the club with its main source of income. Totalisator receipts amounted to $33,802, up

$BBlO on the previous year, and the club’s share of T.A.B. profits rose by $5067 to $67,291. Acceptances brought in $14,869, $1340 more than last year, but both admission fees and members’ subscriptions were slightly down. Admission fees, at $4455, were down $65, and subscriptions dropped $377 to $3606.

Raceday wages were up $2016 to $15,357, Racing Centre charges rose by $4562 to $14,175 but race mefeting expenses were down $4315 to $10,527. Jet Bet was available at Ashburton for the first time this year. The cost, in conjunction with the Ashburton Trotting Club, for the installation of the equipment Jjyas just under $50,000.