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THE Shoalhaven City Turf Club celebrated the 40th anniversary of racing at the Archer Racecourse in fine style with a cocktail party at the Albatross Road complex.
More than 80 people packed into the marquee adjacent to the club’s enclosure area and finish line to relive some of the club’s history.
The Archer Racecourse is named after the mighty Archer, the locally trained winner of the first two Melbourne Cups in 1861-62.
Trained by Etienne De Mestre, it was fitting his grandson Mark De Mestre was present to mark the occasion.
The first meeting at the Archer Racecourse, by the then Nowra and District Race Club was on October 2, 1976, and the club has certainly come a long way in 40 years.
Club CEO Lynn Locke said it was a great way for the club to celebrate its 40th anniversary.
“It was a really enjoyable way for the club to mark a significant milestone in its history,” she said.
“I think everyone had a great time.”
Illawarra Turf Club board member John Fletcher spoke of the great relationship between the two South Coast clubs and made a special presentation of a print of Archer to SCTC chairman Michael Martin.
“That was a beautiful touch,” Mrs Locke said.
“Anything to do with Archer is rare. As rare as hen’s teeth. It was a print they had in their archives and was much appreciated.”
Mrs Locke said the print would take pride of place in the club’s boardroom, alongside a tribute to legendary local trainer Bede Murray who passed away in March.
Along with Mr De Mestre former champion jockey Malcolm Johnston, the rider of the great Kingston Town, was guest speaker on the evening, who kept guests entertained with recollections of his incredible career and also some funny anecdotes from the racing industry.
Plans to construct a statue commemorating Archer and his trainer was also highlighted during the evening.
“I think there was a great deal of interest and support in moves to have a statue of Archer built in Nowra,” Mrs Locke said.
“The response was very positive and it is something we should certainly look at as a city. Being the home of the winner of the first two Melbourne Cups is something very special and something the area should be proud of and celebrate,” Mrs Locke said.