By Jordan Gerrans
They are a ragtag motley crew of former high-profile jockeys and trainers that keep the Chinchilla Race Club in pristine condition.
For the best part of the last four years, a group of dedicated volunteers have given up their time – completing every job you could think of around the club – for the betterment of the racing industry in the Eastern Downs of the state.
Those on the Chinchilla Race Club committee do not know where the Club would be without them.
Mostly in their 60s and 70s, the devoted group of veteran volunteers includes Denis Schull, Michael and Col Aspinall and Sandy Sue, among others – keeping racing in the area alive and strong.
Almost every racing club, whether it be thoroughbred, harness or greyhound, in Queensland have hard-working and committed volunteers, but according to Chinchilla Race Club president Donald Critch – his team go above and beyond and have done so for some time.
“I honestly do not know how we would operate if it was not for those guys were not out there every day,” Critch said.
“If we had to work out a real labour cost for all of them, as a club we just could not pay that, that is why volunteers are so valuable.
“It would not be viable for our club.”
No job is too big or small for the Chinchilla racing loving volunteers, according to club vice-president Wally Gleeson.
“It might just be small things like mowing or poisoning weeds, keeping things clean and tidy – keeping garden beds sorted,” Gleeson said.
“They spend two or three hours there every day in the mornings and then go enjoy a few drinks in the afternoon together.
“From a club aspect, they contribute quite a lot.
“They are just always there, they do not have to do it, but they volunteer their time and volunteers are bloody hard to get these days.”
According to the club president, the contingent of former jockeys like to fly under the radar, but they deserve their credit, he says.
Now 67 years of age, Michael Aspinall, described as a champion jockey in his day, was as good as most when it comes to the riding game when he was at the peak of his powers.
He rode over 350 winners – according to Racing.com’s data – six of which came at Listed level.
Aspinall has reached heights that some could only dream of within racing but still after all these years, is glad to give up his time for the betterment of a bush club, which is based 300kms north west of Brisbane.
“Mick and Col Aspinall – they were some of the better riders in Queensland in their day,” Critch said.
“They are all mates and they come out every day. The grounds are beautiful; they all keep it that way. It is a credit to them, honestly.”
Club vice-president Gleeson is a former amateur jockey that now, alongside his family, runs a breeding operation in Chinchilla.
Gleeson bred Group 1 winner Rothfire and expects to have a strong showing from his business early next year on the Gold Coast at the Magic Millions sales.