IN typical Helen Sinclair fashion, she deflected the attention from herself and paid tribute to her colleagues instead.
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The former Muswellbrook Race Club secretary-manager was presented the prestigious Bede Thomas Memorial Award at Skellatar Park on Friday.
Representatives from Scone, Tamworth, Armidale and Inverell also attended the special function in the members’ lounge, reinforcing the high esteem in which Sinclair is held.
The Bede Thomas Memorial Award is the Hunter and North West Racing Association’s illustrious accolade for services to the sport of kings in that area.
And, it was fitting chairman Rod Watt travelled down from Tamworth to bestow the honour upon Sinclair.
“It’s very humbling,” she said.
“But, the people I work with – the board members – do so much for country clubs.
“Without them, the industry wouldn’t flourish.
“They’re all volunteers and give up their time so freely, despite having their own full-time careers.
“I think they do an amazing job.”
Sinclair was at the helm of the Scone Race Club when it successfully increased the prominence of its cup carnival to being the richest in the country, including the well-established Saturday stand-alone meetings.
In January 2012, she relocated to Muswellbrook where she facilitated a review and change of systems, which culminated in the organisation winning the TAB Country Race Club of the Year award in 2013.
Sinclair ended her stint at Muswellbrook in 2015 but continues to contribute to the betterment of country racing in NSW by providing guidance and advice to a number of clubs.
“No one deserves it [Bede Thomas Memorial Award] more than Helen for her contribution over many years and her wealth of knowledge,” Muswellbrook’s general manager Duane Dowell said.
“Helen was secretary/manager at Scone and led the development of the famous Scone carnival before coming to Muswellbrook and developing this club into one of the leading country clubs in the state.
“She has since filled in or helped at several clubs on a part-time basis since her so-called retirement and is doing just that the moment at Tamworth.
“There is no more respected person in country racing than Helen.”
