UNIQUE RECORD

Waikato Times, Volume 126, Issue 21042, 19 February 1940, Page 11

UNIQUE RECORD

LONG SERVICE WITH TURF CLERK OF COURSE 40 YEARS MR R. CASEY To be appointed a clerk of the course at the age of 17 years is in itself rather a record but to have held that position over the long span of 40 years is, perhaps a record unique in New' Zealand racing circles. Oldest official connected with the Waikato Racing Club, Mr R. Casey has completed 40 years’ service as clerk of the course, but he considers that he is quite capable of carrying on for some years yet. When he was appointed as a mere lad of 17 to the position of clerk of the course to the South Auckland Racing Club, as the club used to be known in the old days, some of the committee thought he was rather young to hold such a responsible position, but their doubts were dispelled by the capable manner in which young Casey carried out his duties. He has probably led more winners back to the bird-cage than any man in Australasia for since the day he was appointed he has not missed one meeting of the club. On the morning of one meeting he was kicked by a horse but although suffering considerable pain allowed himself to be driven to the course where he was able to direct his deputy. During his record stewardship, Mr Casey has seen great changes in the Waikato racing world. When he first put on his scarlet coat and top hat in 1900, the Waikato meeting was a very small affair. At the meeting of 1900 the sum of £IBB2 10s xvas handled on the totalisator and no more than three to four starters could be attracted in the different races. Growth of Club The growth of the club from those early days can be gauged from the fact that at its last meeting the totalisator handled £94,289 and fields of sometimes 20 horses contested the different events. Against the small yearly meeting that the old racing club used to hold 39 years ago. the Waikato Racing Club now has three major annual fixtures and the modern appointments at its Te Rapa course are in striking contrast to the meagre facilities that, the club enjoyed in 1900 at Claudelands. It would be difficult, indeed, to say just how many winners Mr Casey has led back to the bird-cage during the last 40 years, but an interesting fact is that he has seen many famous performers of the turf having their initial victory. Jockeys whom he saw having their first important engagements have now become wellknown trainers in the Waikato district, notable amongst them being Messrs A. J. Julian and J. F. Tutchen. Despite the 40 years’ service to his credit, Mr Casey is now only 57 years of age, and still has a great seat on a horse. So long has he been associated with the Waikato Racing Club that he has become almost an institution of the club and there appears to be every prospect of his one day celebrathing his golden jubilee as clerk of the course.