EGGLESTON THE NEW CHAIRMAN OF GOLD COAST TURF CLUB

HOSS Heinrich has been deposed as chairman of the Gold Coast Turf Club and his position was taken today by Andrew Eggleston.

In a twist of irony Heinrich led the vote count in the election of directors and Eggleston secured the last spot by 16 votes from former deputy chairman, Larry Klinge.

But the new committee, meeting for the first time after today's GCTC annual meeting, appointed Mr Eggleston as chairman; Brett Cook as deputy chairman and Steve Hawkins as Treasurer to replace Yvonne Smith.

The Racing First Ticket, headed by Mr Eggleston, won power by one seat with solicitor Jeff Garrett the new appointee to committee replacing Mr Klinge.

There were a number of e-mails received by this web-site overnight concerning the upset election result, some posing the question whether Mr Heinrich would remain on the Board.

Here is a sample:

“The democracy has spoken albeit by a handful of votes. It’s time to get on with the job and see if this group can do a better job than those of the past. It would seem the support swung their way because they have given a guarantee that Queensland Racing will not take over the club. Good luck to them!”

Another:

“I moved from Brisbane to the Gold Coast in retirement hoping to escape the politics of racing, a sport that I love. But I think the situation here is even worse. When I came to the Coast the club was run by Bill Millican as chairman. His directors turned the fortunes of the club around and left it in a fantastic financial situation only to see that reversed. I understand that Bill is so disillusioned with the current situation that he is not even attending the annual meeting. He apparently doesn’t want to support either side. It’s a pity he was still not there. As for the rest – well most of those who are taking over from the Heinrich team shared in the club’s demise, so how the hell are they going to improve things?”

Yet another:

“So they have rearranged the deck chairs on the Gold Coast Titanic. If the iceberg doesn’t get the captains Eggy and Cook and their new crew it could well be the natives from Queensland Racing that drive a spear through their heart. As for the fat bosun’s mate who betrayed the former Captain, well I hope they have a big plank when it comes his turn to walk it. The splash will be much bigger than the one he thinks he is creating now.”

EDITOR'S NOTE: In conclusion, this web-site will not be printing any e-mails concerning allegations of a conflict of interest involving one director because he works in the media. Those who wish to take that matter further should address it with Queensland Racing, UNiTAB or the Broadcasting Control Board. We are not interested!