For the fifth consecutive year, Wagga announced a profit while betting turnover increased across all markets.

Wagga had a profit of $55,371 which increased by $13,046 on the previous financial year.

Betting turnover on Wagga meetings topped $47.6 million with $8.87 million invested with the NSW TAB.

For the first time, an average of $175,000 per race was invested at Wagga across all betting markets.

The club will need to invest some of its funds into the new complex at Cartwrights Hill and also ensure it remains in a sound financial position with many costs unknown in the early stages of operation at the new multi million dollar centre.

Racing is due to commence at the new complex in February with the grand opening on Sunday, March 10.

It was also announced at Wednesday night’s meeting that Rod Woodhouse and Rex Smith of Wagga and Gary Punch – the president of the South West and Riverina and Leeton Harness Racing Clubs – will form part of the Wagga committee.

Terry McMillan and Brian Hay remain as president and vice president respectively with Paul Kahlefeldt and Brian Smith part of the committee.

However long serving committee member and former president Linda Inwood has stepped down after decades of service with treasurer Christine Brewer and Denis Conroy also departing.

Wagga Harness Racing Club chief executive Graeme White said it was en exciting time for harness racing with so much interest in the new centre and new sponsors linking with the club.

“The new complex is a first class facility and it’s only a couple of months from from being completed,” he said.

“Wagga has had another successful year, but there are a lot of unknown costs at the new centre that we have to consider.”

Wagga has moved its Carnival of Cups back to Sunday, April 21, where the Group 3 $30,000 Wagga Cup will be the feature race.

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