By Tony McMahon
The Rockhampton Jockey Club has appointed David Aldred to the position of their new CEO.
The 64-year-old Aldred will take on the role to replace incumbent Ian Mill - who is retiring - when he vacates offices at Callaghan Park racecourse in August.
The CEO position was extensively advertised and in making the announcement that it had been filled, club chairman Rob Carr said it attracted 27 applicants.
“We received applications from as far away as New Zealand and from most states in Australia. In the end the appointment of David Aldred was not a difficult decision to make as he had such extensive experience in similar management roles not only in Australia but also Canada," Carr said.
"As well David has held many positions in the racing industry in which his qualifications are first class. He has a wide range of skills and a first class knowledge of the industry."
Since last December, Aldred has been employed by the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission, in the role of Regional Manager for Central and North Queensland and has been based in Gladstone.
Earlier on his roles have included terms as CEO Sunshine Coast Turf Club (for seven years) as well as the Darwin Turf Club (three years) while much earlier he managed the Mackay Turf Club.
As well, he was a CEO for Harness Racing South Australia.
In 2006, he was the CEO overseeing the Inter Dominion series in Tasmania.
Furthermore, Aldred was an employee of Racing Queensland in management roles.
Aldred's international experience was a stint of three years as CEO for British Columbia Harness Racing in Canada.
He has also had extensive expertise in broadcasting and media as a commentator, sport and racing journalist and sporting television presenter.
Asked why he vacated QRIC to take on another role as a race club CEO, Aldred was both forthright and expedient with his reply.
“Managing race clubs is what I do best and enjoy. I pride myself in taking race clubs to the next level and improving on what I took over. I can honestly say during my career I have never left a race club worse off after having managed it," Aldred said.
His current Regional Management role with QRIC, which is varied, also encompasses overseeing the roles of stewards in the Capricornia region and Rockhampton and has allowed him an on the ground perspective of Callaghan Park operations on race days.
“Ï will be present for the Carnival days on Friday and Saturday and am anxious to see to assess what is happening at Callaghan Park not just on race days but at functions as well. Naturally, I would like to improve on events and see what’s out there. After all, I have held these roles for over four decades since I was 20," Aldred said.
"I believe that Rockhampton has so much potential as a major race club and I want to take it to the next level and ensure that it functions to its full potential as a well-oiled machine in every facet."