The Toro Australia Industry Service Award recognizes individuals who have made significant and sustained contributions to the thoroughbred racing industry in the field of racecourse management.
Eligibility:
Consideration Given To:
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Sponsorship:
One of the highlights of any ARMA Conference Dinner is the announcement of award winners and the 2022 renewal was no different. In front of more than 170 guests in the Winx Stand of Royal Randwick, it was Sheldon Simmonds from Toro Australia who announced that the winner of 2022 Toro Industry Services Award was Warren Williams (Racing Queensland) to an eruption of applause.
“Warren’s contribution to the Industry has already spanned to almost 40 years so it was such an honour to be able to present this award to our mate Waz. He is such a worthy winner” Sheldon explained post announcement.
ARMA Chairman Lindsay Murphy was quick to heap praise on to Warren; “ARMA is so thrilled that Warren’s tireless and continued contribution to the racing industry, which includes his important work with our Association, could be formally recognized tonight in front of his peers and friends. He hasn’t missed an ARMA Conference since they began in 1996 and for the last eight years he has run them. Warren’s passion for Turf Management and supporting his peers has been undeniable. This is an important recognition and personally I thank Warren for his service to the industry.”
Warren Williams was overwhelmed with the announcement. "This was so unexpected. The industry has been like a drug for me. I just love it. I've always thought it was important for ARMA Members to have an annual gathering to better the management of race courses and for this Conference to still be thriving in 2022 since beginning in 1996 is something I quite proud of. It's almost been 40 years since I first started at Moonee Valley and I'm so grateful for all of the support I've had along the way, with a lot of those people in the room here tonight.
There's no other industry awards for racecourse managers, so this is a terrific initiative from Toro to offer this. They have been a great supporter of ARMA for so many years, so it means a lot to me to be presented this award from Sheldon and Paul."
Warren resigned from ARMA in early 2022 and handed over the Secretary role to MVRC Racecourse Manager Martin Synan. “Warren is the reason why these Conferences are so successful as he built the foundation for them and they continue to prosper. He left the Association with a strong membership base and even stronger balance sheet. I’m just so happy for both Warren and his wife Sandra that his name is now etched on the plaque, where it belongs. Congrats mate.”
Warren’s journey in racing winds back all the way to 1984 where he started at the Moonee Valley Racing Club. Now, some 39 years later, Warren is the Racecourse Development Manager at Racing Queensland.
The Australian Racecourse Managers Association congratulates Warren Williams of his award and thanks Toro Australia for their continued support in recognizing the contribution that Racecourse Managers make to the thoroughbred racing industry.
The Warren Williams Files:
1984 – 1994 - Moonee Valley Racing Club
1994 to 2009 – Brisbane Turf Club – Doomben Racecourse.
2009 – 2010 – Brisbane Racing Club – Eagle Farm & Doomben Racecourses
2010 – 2015 – Racing Queensland
2015 - 2017 – Brisbane Racing Club
2017 to present – Racing Queensland
Australian Racecourse Managers Association (ARMA) 2004 – 2021 (~17yrs)
Developed Study tours for Association members
Sheldon Simmonds (Toro), Warren Williams, Lindsay Murphy (ARMA Chairman) & Paul Prout (Toro)
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