Barney Gask named chairman of Oakbank Racing Club, replacing John Glatz
BARNEY Gask has been appointed chairman of the Oakbank Racing Club.
Gask, a partner in law firm Tindall Gask Bentley, takes over from John Glatz, who announced at last month’s annual general meeting he would not continue as chairman after 25 years in the role.
Gask, 41, has a strong background in the racing industry and has been a member of the Oakbank committee since 2006.
He is married to former leading jockey Cheree Buchiw and his brother, Jeremy, is a successful trainer in the UK after starting his career in South Australia.
“The Oakbank Carnival ... remains the best-attended race meeting in South Australia by a significant margin,” Gask said.
“I look forward to the challenge that lies ahead to preserve the attraction and uniqueness of this iconic event.”
Significantly, Gask also confirmed the club’s continued commitment to jumps racing.
“What we know from the thousands who attend the Easter Racing Carnival every year is that it is overwhelmingly jumps racing that brings them back,” he said.
“The excitement and thrill of hurdle and steeplechase races at our picturesque Adelaide Hills course is matched nowhere else in the country.”
Gask also paid tribute to Glatz, describing him as a “wonderful ambassador for the Oakbank Racing Club”.
“His commitment and contribution to Oakbank and jumps racing over many years will leave an indelible mark on the racing in this state and, in particular, the Easter racing carnival,” he said. “His hand in the success and popularity of the carnival cannot be overstated.”
Stephen Charlton has been re-elected as deputy chairman of Oakbank, while Adam Clements has taken over the club secretary position. He replaces Chris Biggs, who had been in the post for the past 10 years.
Originally published as New Oakbank chairman announced