Mildura Racing Club (MRC) manager Jarratt Farley will switch from the state’s north-west, taking up the position at Echuca after seven years at MRC, replacing the outgoing Garry Armstrong.
Armstrong departs after his second stint in the role, which spanned four years.
He guided the club through several COVID-19 and flood-affected seasons, and ERC president Craig Sutton expressed his appreciation for the outgoing manager and his excitement at securing the calibre of Farley.
“Garry gave us four-and-a-half years of great service,” Sutton said.
“(Jarratt’s) done a great job at Mildura. He’s just a proven performer, and he delivered some great results over there.“
Farley said taking the next step was a factor behind stepping into the role.
“Echuca, in regard to racing, is a bit bigger. There are more meetings, there’s trainers on track, more staff,” Farley said.
“Professionally, it’s a bit of a step up for myself, which is really exciting to grow within the industry.
“I’ve been in the industry now for seven years and love it, so to take the next step up is exciting and something I’m looking forward to.
“It’s a very successful club already, and it’s been run very well in the past.”
Farley joins ERC after seven years with Mildura, which was his first track management position.
“Apart from when I started managing Mildura, (racing background) was purely going to the pub, having a beer and having a bet,” he said.
“My wife grew up in the industry, used to do a bit of track work, and her old man worked for trainers, so she’s had an upbringing in the industry.
“Personally, when I first started, it was from behind the bar. I was at TAFE in Mildura for about 10 years in a management position and I just thought it was time for a change.”
Since then, Farley has crafted a successful career in Mildura and, more recently, was tasked with overseeing extensive flood recoveries.
Farley and his team helped oversee the club’s triumphant return on Melbourne Cup Day, its first meeting in 12 months.
Farley will start the role in January, moving across with wife Angela and children Lachie, Mckenna and Fletcher.
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