For almost five decades, Pilbara racing stalwart and tireless volunteer Les Staker has been a staple of the Nor West Jockey Club.
The passionate clubman, alongside the club’s committee, is busy preparing ahead of Sunday’s opening meeting of this year’s race season at Roebourne Racecourse.
Speaking with Racing WA ahead of the six-race program which fittingly coincides with National Volunteer Week, Les – who has been involved with the club since 1979 – said he was excited for racing’s return to Roebourne for another year.
“I’m one of the last standing volunteers from all those years back and we are always looking for new people to get involved,” he said.
“We still need support at the club, because it all comes back to making this great club what it is.
“The Roebourne races is one of the few events in the area where people can come and socialise and enjoy themselves.”
The Pilbara-based club is located 1500km north of Perth and is one of the oldest race club in WA.
Highlighted by its breathtaking landscapes, with a blended backdrop of the countryside and undulating ranges, it is a spectacular spot to enjoy a day out at the races.
The scenery at the Nor West Jockey Club is a highlight of the Pilbara region.
The Nor West Jockey Club committee consists of 12 volunteers, which are part of the 470 individual racing participants involved with the Pilbara region contributing to the more than 25,000 involved in racing State-wide.
Trainer Leigh Murray, who is set to saddle up 10 runners at Roebourne on Sunday, said racing in the Pilbara was entrenched in the community.
“The Pilbara race round meetings are great for the local communities and the continued support by everyone allows them to happen,” Leigh said.
“There’s a lot of local volunteers who put their effort in to keeping these types of race meetings going, and I think it’s important that trainers continue to support them.”
Roebourne Racecourse conducts four meetings a year, culminating in the Roebourne Cup, making up an important component of Pilbara race round – a region that contributes $17.8 million towards the $1.3 billion racing generates for the WA economy annually.
The Broome Turf Club will also host its opening meeting of the season this Saturday.
Josh Miller