Con does good job with Kilcoy

By Jordan Gerrans

Long-time Queensland racing identity Con Searle believes he has left the Kilcoy Race Club in a position to build into the future after stepping down as chairman late last year.

After more than two decades on the committee, the 82-year-old says he is delighted with what the Somerset Region-based club has been able to accomplish under his committee’s leadership.

“I am proud of what we have achieved and we have had some wonderful committees and people that have stood beside me,” Searle said.

“It was a hard decision for me to retire as president. We have not had any let-downs and we have all worked as a team.

“I believe in team work - you have to have someone who leads – but it is great to gather people around you and get their thoughts and build it.

“The track is looking magnificent – our track manager Mark Williams does a great job - and I am proud of what my committees have done with me.”

Searle is well-known as a bookmaker and owner in the gallops code in Queensland.

While Searle notes there have been several achievements by his committees over his around 20 years of involvement, the installation of the 1200 metre chute start back in October of 2021 stands out as one of his proudest moments.

The new starting position at the club came to fruition through investment from the Somerset Regional Council and Racing Queensland, which gave gallopers a 400 metre run into the first corner.

Known as the “the Moonee Valley of the north” for its short straight, Kilcoy’s 1200 metre chute start provided the club more options when it came to programming races and made it more attractive for trainers to take their horses there.

“We have achieved so many things, the 1200 metre start has become so popular for us in Queensland – turnover wise and horse wise,” he said.

“And, the amenities at the club, which we have worked so closely with the Somerset Regional Council. The Somerset Regional Council have spent millions of dollars here, they bought the land and built these amenities.”

Searle served as vice-chairman for a period time before taking on the role as chairman at Kilcoy, where he is also a life member.

He will remain on the committee as the secretary and treasurer.

Bob Whalley has taken over the leadership at Kilcoy following Searle’s decision in the middle of November last year.

“I want to be able to see the club progress in the future,” he said.

“I felt it was time to retire as chairman and hand over to a younger dedicated person to guide our historic Kilcoy Race Club into the future.

“Bob Whalley is our new chairman and he brings vast knowledge to our club with his experiences in local council, his love of racehorses and his dedication to ensure our club progresses as it has in the past twenty years.

“I fully support Bob in his role and will work closely sharing my knowledge and contacts with him. I feel extremely confident in Bob's appointment.”

Kilcoy are set to host an upcoming race meeting on the 18th of this month, with a seven event program set down for decision on the Tuesday TAB card.