Ian Giffin’s 34 years of solid service to Wellington Race Club was recognised last week when the club renamed a prestigious race in his honour.
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One of the major events of the annual Wellington Boot Carnival, the Wellington Cup, will now be known as the Ian Giffin Wellington Cup.
The Wellington Cup was first presented as a perpetual trophy in the mid 20th century by supporters B.J. O’Connor and Gowan Williams and has since been presented to winners each year as a feature race of the Wellington Boot Carnival.
The award was resolved by unanimous vote at the club’s annual general meeting with club president, Ian Darney, stating Giffin is a club stalwart.
“Giff has worked in many ways and in several club committee positions for more than 34 years,” Darney said.
“He has been a president and there’s not much of this racecourse and showground area he doesn’t know like the back of his hand.
“Both Peter Barton (treasurer) and myself felt the renaming of the Wellington Cup was due recognition of Giff’s tireless work for our club and I was so pleased the motion was passed unanimously during the meeting.”
The 2019 Wellington Boot racing carnival will be held on Saturday and Sunday, April 6 and 7 and it will be the first meeting the renamed cup will be presented.
At the annual general meeting Ian Darnay was re-elected president for a sixth term with Jared Wykes, Daniel Blackhall and Malcolm Brown elected vice-presidents. Peter Barton was returned as treasurer and Lisa Hodges, secretary.
Boxing Day races will again be conducted at Wellington this year with gates opening at 11am.
“These races have always been a great attraction to families who use the day as another get-together after Christmas celebrations,” Darney said.
“Families use the shady grounds for picnics and enjoy the races and entertainment while the youngsters have fun on the jumping castle and other entertainment.”
