Long-serving Murrumbidgee Turf Club (MTC) treasurer Rodney Parsons OAM will retire from his position at Thursday night's annual general meeting (AGM).
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This week's AGM shapes as a significant moment for the MTC with president Stuart Lamont, vice-president Michael Inglis and Parsons all set to stand down.
Parsons has served the MTC board for 33 years, 26 of those as treasurer. He is the second longest-serving treasurer in the club's history.
Parsons decided the time was right to step away.
"Elizabeth and I are planning to travel a little bit more next year and with the big things coming up like the stabling complex etc, to do the job properly you have to be here for what's happening," Parsons said.
"Given I'm going away, I'm better off to let someone else take over the job."
Parsons admitted it was not an easy decision to make.
"Because I've been there so long, yes it was a hard call to make," he said.
"I love it. I love horse racing and I love the MTC."
Parsons will hand the treasurer's role over at a time when the MTC has never been better placed.
The club is expected to announce an eighth consecutive surplus on Thursday night.
He is proud of the position the club finds itself in.
"If you look at it like me, as an accountant at the balance sheet, it's probably as strong of a balance sheet you'll happen to see," Parsons said.
"We finished the year as the number one TAB race club. Our profits year after year have been very good and what is very good is that no money is wasted. We don't go splurging out and throwing it around. It all goes to what is best for racing."
Parsons was quick to point out it has not always been smooth sailing.
"There were tough times before the parity in taxing came in and allowed for funds to flow to clubs," he said.
"There are so many things that have gone on over the years that I'm lucky to have been party to.
"We've had a few downs as well. We had a few losses there at one stage that really worried me but fortunately we came out of those."
Parsons believes there is no secret to MTC's success.
"I think it's the dedication of the staff and directors," he said.
"It has been a very good group of directions while I've been there. From the president down to the other 12 or 13. There is no honorariums, they are all there for the love of the game and all wanting to give their time for the good of the club."
Parsons was awarded the Simon Nivison Special Achievement Award in 2014 for his outstanding contribution to racing.
The MTC have also named a race in his honour.
A former breeder and owner, Parsons will still attend races but says he will miss his involvement.
"Yes, I probably will," he said.
"I don't have any horses at the moment and my interest has probably waned a little because the blokes I used to go to the races with have gone to God.
"I have loved it."
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