Emma Pritchard

Throughout the years, they have made many significant contributions to the racing industry and the Clarence Valley community, and on January 22, Rex Kelly, John Shelton, Merv McKay, and Peter Brennan were recognised for their invaluable services and presented with life memberships of the Clarence River Jockey Club (CRJC) by Chairman Graeme Green.

A leading jockey throughout the 1970s and 1980s, and most recently a long-term employee of the Northern Rivers Racing Association (NRRA), Mr Kelly said he was humbled to receive his life membership badge, adding he has enjoyed many good times throughout his career.

John Shelton, highly regarded as a valued supporter of the CRJC and one of Grafton’s leading trainers with more than 850 career winners, said it was an honour to be awarded life membership.

“It was a bit of a surprise,” he said as he gratefully acknowledged the CRJC.

Along with training 2000 Ramornie Handicap winner Mother’s Gift, the last local to win the time-honoured sprint, Shelton also won the inaugural Kosciuszko with Belflyer in 2018.

An active racehorse owner and member of the CRJC for over 40 years, Mr McKay is a regular attendee at local race meetings and told Mr Green he was initially shocked and surprised to receive his life membership badge.

“It was a good surprise though,” he said.

“Everywhere you go you’ll see Merv,” Mr Green added.

“He loves to get to a race meeting, and he always enjoys it.”

A fellow active racehorse owner, Mr Brennan has been a member of the CRJC since 1973.

“I’m a bit gobsmacked, but thank you very much,” he said upon receiving his badge.

“I go to a lot of race carnivals and meetings in a lot of different towns, but Grafton is still the best by a long way.”

During the presentation, CRJC life member Chris McDonald was appointed a new role as an ambassador of the club in recognition of his ongoing support.

Mr McDonald first joined the CRJC Board of Directors in 1987 and was elected Vice Chairman in 1992 and Chairman in 1994

A fourth-generation committee member, Mr McDonald credited Grafton as having one of the best racecourses in country NSW, and said he enjoys maintaining active roles within the racing industry.

Following the presentation, Mr Green made a special announcement, revealing the CRJC Winners Room will be renamed the John Kenny Winners Room in memory of John Kenny.

A prominent figure amongst the Clarence Valley community, and a regular attendee at race meetings in Grafton, Mr Kenny was a life member, former director, and ambassador of the CRJC.

He passed away peacefully in August last year, aged 88.