Beattie Takes Over Reins For Macau Engagement

Newcastle Herald

Monday June 26, 2006

By JOHN GILMOUR

FORMER Gosford Race Club chief executive officer Michael Beattie has been appointed chief steward and racing manager in Macau.

The 47-year-old, who resigned from Gosford in April, takes up his new appointment on August 1.

He takes over from another former Novocastrian, Ian Paterson, who has been appointed chairman of stewards for Harness Racing Victoria.

"My contract is for two years and one month, and I am looking forward to the challenge," Beattie said.

"There is only the one racecourse in Macau, and it hosts 99 meetings per year.

"But it has two racing surfaces, with 55 meetings being conducted on the turf track and 44 meetings on the sand.

"And most ofthe meetings on the sand are run of a Tuesday night."

A former chief steward at the Newcastle track, Beattie resigned from his post at Gosford after 61/2 years.

He said at the time he felt it was in the best interests of the Gosford club after he and the board reached a stalemate on several issues, including the future direction of the club.

Beattie said that he was not worried about possible language barriers in his new job in Macau.

"The leading rider over there at the moment is a Brazilian. He cannot speak a word of English or Mandarin, but it doesn't seem to pose too many problems," Beattie said.

"Besides, there are riders from all over the world riding there."

Beattie said that he would be heading a four-man stewards panel which is made up of one South African and two from China.

He said that in addition to the 99 race meetings, he would also be responsible for 52 sets of barrier trials.

"As well there is a steward at the trackwork every morning, and the tracks are open seven days per week," Beattie said.

"I think it will be important for me to get to the track as often as possible because of my dual roles of chairman of stewards and racing manager."

Beattie said that he was surprised when first approached by the Macau officials, but that he was excited following the confirmation of his appointment late on Friday night Australian time.

"I have never been to Macau, but I am really looking forward to getting over there," Beattie said.

"Champion New Zealand rider Lisa Cropp, who has ridden in a number of countries, told me that night racing at Macau was the most exciting that she had been involved with."

© 2006 Newcastle Herald

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