News

The last two days have seen two apprentice jockeys seriously injured in separate race falls. Leah Kilner had a fall at a race meeting a Grafton yesterday, and Elissa Meredith had a fall at Gunnedah races today.  Both suffered head injuries and were airlifted to hospital. Our prayers are with Leah & Elissa and their families….

ARCC chaplains Brendon and Fran Hotschilt run a Christian campsite called Camp Drewe in Lennox Head. In the midst of the flood emergency, they offered the use of their campsite to accommodate those made homeless by the disaster. Originally, it was envisaged to be only a few days, but the days have turned into weeks. Now, with…

The tragic death of Marina Morel in a recent trackwork accident once again highlights the danger riders face every time they mount a horse.  Marina, a 30-year-old French national, had been riding trackwork in Australia for the past 8 years.  About 6 months ago, she fulfilled her dream of becoming a jockey and rode in…

ARCC will be hosting a BBQ for strappers at the ATC’s ‘Trackwork With The Stars Breakfast’ at Royal Randwick on Tuesday 29 March. In the busy grind of morning trackwork, especially in the pressurised carnival atmosphere, a free sausage and a warm smile is always welcome! Thanks to the ATC for their assistance, and the intrepid…

Apprentice jockey, Marina Morel, aged 30, died as the result of injuries sustained after a tragic fall during trackwork at Gulgong on Tuesday (February 8 2022).   She was airlifted to Westmead Hospital following the incident, where she remained in intensive care up until her passing on Saturday, February 12th. A memorial service in her honour will…

Sadly, Ian Johnston (ARCC Central Coast chaplain) passed away in December 2021 after a 3 month battle with cancer. We are thankful to God for his lifetime of ministry as well as his more recent service to the racing community. Ian’s Celebration Service will be livestreamed on Saturday Jan 8 at 9:30am on the Facebook…

Vicki Walker, Chaplain to women in Sydney & NSW Provincial racing, was as busy as ever throughout the state’s June to October Covid lockdown.  Unable to attend racedays or visit stables, Vicki says “much of my time was spent just being there when people needed someone to talk to, even though I wasn’t with them in person”. Vicki’s role has been…

During recent barrier trials, the Australian Turf Club, assisted by ARCC Chaplains and volunteers, provided some Christmas cheer in the form of breakfast. These gestures are always warmly appreciated by stable staff, many of whom start work at 4am. DECEMBER 21, 2021

Marina Mossman was recently affiliated as a new volunteer racing chaplain in Darwin, NT. She enjoys attending race meetings and is particularly keen to serve the needs of the female jockeys. Marina also serves as chaplain to Royal Darwin and Palmerston Hospitals, as part of the wider health team that responds to referrals from patients, staff, clergy and community members for specific  pastoral care needs….

Following the retirement of Brother Dan Stafford, Father Tom Stevens was formally appointed by Archbishop Anthony Fisher as the new Catholic chaplain to the Australian Turf Club. Fr Tom is parish priest at Mortlake. He is a keen racegoer and ATC Member, and looks forward to serving the people of Sydney racing through ARCC. He…