At the recent Marks IGA Melbourne Cup Day Picnic Races, Mansfield local Gerald Egan was awarded Life Membership of the Mansfield District Racing Club. During the presentation, MDRC President Leanne Backwell outlined Gerald’s long association with the club and the contribution he has made to racing in Mansfield and the wider horse industry. Gerald has been involved with the Mansfield District Racing Club for most of his life, following in the footsteps of his father Noel Egan and uncle Basil Egan. He increased his involvement and membership when he began training thoroughbreds in Mansfield. A career as a racing trainer followed horse breaking and training, including riding and supplying horses for iconic Australian films such as The Man From Snowy River and Phar Lap. In conjunction with becoming a highly successful trainer throughout the north-east and beyond, Gerald earned the reputation of being a great guide and mentor to successful jockeys. Names requiring no introduction to racing enthusiasts include Michael Pritchard, Luke Nolan, Nick Hall, Mitch Aitken, Billy Egan, Jye McNeil, Lachie King, Logan McNeil, and, currently, Gerald’s first female apprentice, Brittany Button. The quality of the Mansfield track and its current racing surface is a testament to Gerald’s hard work and dedication. In 2003, when the Mansfield course was threatened with closure due to funding cuts, he joined the committee of the time in fighting hard for its survival. In the subsequent 21 years, he has improved the track as both a racing and training facility. As a resident Mansfield trainer, Gerald has introduced many local families and individuals to racing through horse ownership. He has also employed and educated a large number of staff. He is a fine ambassador for Mansfield and its racing club in all communications with the media and racing industry members. Gerald was joined by MDRC Life Members in attendance—Noel Willaton, Ron Tait, Maurie Walsh, and Barrie Scott—for his badge presentation.
