Respected track specialist Lindsay Murphy is to retire after a stellar career in Sydney racing, most recently as the Australian Turf Club’s general manager of racecourses.
After 42 years in Sydney racing, Murphy will retire on July 31.
Murphy began his career as a junior clerk in the racing office of the Sydney Turf Club in 1977 and has gone on to oversee track care, maintenance and rebuilds of training and course proper surfaces at all of Sydney’s racecourses.
Most recently he played an integral role in the highly successful rebuild and return to racing of the Kensington track.
He was also instrumental in the redesign and installation of the drainage system at Canterbury in 1998, with the track recognised as one of the best and most reliable in Australian racing.
Murphy, whose roles in racing have included clerk of scales, timekeeper, assistant judge, judge and assistant starter, says the time has come to retire and spend more time with his family.
“My wife Bernadette and our four children have been very supportive and understanding for which I am extremely grateful,” Murphy said.
“We actually lived on course at Canterbury Park for 22 years which was a great place to raise a family and to see the kids grow up.
“I am also very grateful for the guidance and support I have received from all of the chairmen, board directors and CEOs over all these times.
“Racing is a time-consuming business and Bernadette and the children have made many sacrifices.
“I’m looking forward to spending more time with my family and grandchildren and I will continue to go racing as much as possible but in a more relaxed capacity.”
ATC executive general manager racing services, James Heddo, said the club would announce plans to celebrate Murphy’s career over the next few months.
“Lindsay is not only a legend of Sydney racing for his long list of achievements but also someone widely respected in racing circles around Australia and beyond,” Heddo said.
“He has been a fantastic manager of many projects but also a wonderful leader and mentor to countless colleagues.
“Lindsay leaves a lasting legacy and he departs our club with all of our racecourses in magnificent, world-class condition.”
