O’Keeffe and Tou Recognised by ARMA

The Australian Racecourse Managers Association has recognised two outstanding members of the industry, with Liam O’Keeffe from the Victoria Racing Club (VRC) named Metropolitan Racecourse Manager of the Year and Sean Tou from Ipswich Turf Club named Regional Racecourse Manager of the Year at the 2026 ARMA Awards.

Liam O’Keeffe’s recognition reflects his leadership and contribution at one of Australia’s most prominent racing venues, Flemington Racecourse. Managing a racecourse that hosts the Melbourne Cup Carnival and racing at the highest level throughout the year brings enormous expectations, and Liam and the VRC track team continue to deliver outstanding racing surfaces while managing the day-to-day demands of a major metropolitan venue.

The Metropolitan Racecourse Manager of the Year Award recognises not only the preparation and presentation of the racetrack, but also the leadership, planning, innovation and professionalism required to consistently deliver at an elite level. Liam’s commitment to Flemington and the broader racecourse management industry made him a deserving recipient of the 2026 award.

Sean Tou of Ipswich Turf Club was recognised as the Regional Racecourse Manager of the Year, acknowledging his outstanding work at Ipswich and his contribution to racing in Queensland. Unfortunately Sean was not present to accept his award in person. 

Regional racecourse management brings its own unique challenges, often requiring managers and their teams to be incredibly versatile across track preparation, turf management, infrastructure, major race days and the many operational demands of a busy racing venue. Sean’s dedication, professionalism and commitment to continually improving the racing surface and facilities at Ipswich have earned the respect of his industry peers.

The annual ARMA Awards celebrate the people working behind the scenes to provide safe, consistent and high-quality racing surfaces across Australia and New Zealand. Both Liam and Sean exemplify the knowledge, commitment and professionalism of today’s Racecourse Managers.

ARMA congratulates Liam O’Keeffe and Sean Tou on their respective awards and thanks them for their ongoing contribution to the racecourse management industry.

Few moments capture the pride of the racecourse management profession quite like seeing peers recognised on the national stage. At the 2025 Evergreen Turf ARMA Conference Awards Dinner at Flemington, two names drew thunderous applause: Greg Carmody and Terry Kirkwood. Both men embody the resilience, dedication, and quiet professionalism that underpin racing’s success, and their crowning as Metropolitan and Regional Racecourse Managers of the Year was as much a celebration of their careers as it was a recognition of their outstanding contribution to the industry.

For Carmody, the honour was the culmination of years of consistency and dedication. Serving as Racecourse Manager at Canterbury, he has earned a reputation for long-term reliability in delivering racing surfaces of the highest standard. His stewardship has also extended to the vital quarantine training facilities, where his steady hand and attention to detail have been instrumental in ensuring the safe preparation of international competitors. Carmody’s ability to maintain excellence season after season, while meeting the needs of trainers, jockeys, and administrators, has made him a trusted and respected figure in New South Wales racing.

On the regional front, Kirkwood’s award highlighted the enormous impact of one individual’s passion and commitment. As both Track Manager and former Club President at Lockyer Valley Turf Club, he has been the driving force behind the club for over a decade. Managing both the course proper and training track — irrigated manually and maintained with limited resources — Kirkwood has consistently delivered safe and well-presented racing and training surfaces. Beyond surface management, he has overseen significant improvements in facilities, raised standards across the board, and helped make the club financially sustainable. Jockeys, trainers, and patrons alike regularly commend the condition of the track, testament to the pride and energy Kirkwood brings to the role.

The recognition of both men reflects ARMA’s ongoing mission to honour those who consistently raise the standard of racecourse management, whether on metropolitan stages or in regional communities. Their contributions go beyond the preparation of tracks, they embody leadership, resilience, and a passion for the industry that strengthens racing at every level.

As ARMA Chairman Lindsay Murphy noted on the night, the Awards are about celebrating those who make a lasting impact: “Greg and Terry exemplify the qualities we value most in our profession — consistency, effort, innovation, and commitment to the racing community. Their recognition is richly deserved, and we congratulate them both on this achievement.”

The 2025 Awards Dinner was a night of celebration, but the honour for Carmody and Kirkwood stands as a lasting reminder of the vital role Racecourse Managers play in the success and sustainability of thoroughbred racing.