NORTHAM Race Club track manager Brock Neeling was appointed WA representative to the Australian Racecourse Managers Association (ARMA) on August 15 at its annual conference at Caulfield Racecourse.
Only one delegate is appointed per state.
Mr Neeling is the first non-metropolitan delegate, with the previous WA representative hailing from Ascot and Belmont racecourses.
Mr Neeling came to work for the Northam Race Club in May 2007, joining as a trainee.
He has since completed certificates II, III and IV in Sports Turf.
Mr Neeling is in the final stages of completing his Diploma of Horticulture.
"I like the challenge the job represents," he said.
"In my time at Northam we have made vast improvements to the track's drainage, improved the soil profile and reconstructed part of the track.
"One of the biggest challenges here is combating the winter conditions.
"We as a club are currently looking forward to a busy spring racing period."
Mr Neeling said the appointment gave him the opportunity to be involved with the best race course managers in the country.
ARMA's mission statement is to promote and advance best practice in race course management and to encourage the highest standards of racecourse management efficiency and quality.
Mr Neeling has been attending the annual ARMA conferences held in August for many years and was awarded the Anco Turf Award in 2011 which no doubt helped his selection.
In 2012 he attended a conference in Singapore. Northam Race Club president Tony Marwick said the club was extremely proud of Brock's achievements.
"It's a huge acknowledgment of Brock's dedication to racetrack maintenance," he said.
"His appointment is a testament to his prowess, especially coming from his peers."
