Pentland pub connection proves valuable for local racing club volunteer

By Andrew Smith

Karenne Forster can thank a Pentland pub sponsorship for a lifetime contribution to Queensland country racing.

The 72-year-old is the latest recipient of Racing Queensland’s Cheer A Volunteer award.

Karenne has been involved with the Pentland Race Club for over 40 years, taking on a range of committee roles during that time.

Her husband Jeff Forster, a jockey turned trainer, has also enjoyed success on the track with a few Pentland Cups to his name.

But Karenne explained that it was through her mother and the local Railway Hotel that her connection with the club had kicked off over four decades ago.

“My mother was at the hotel at Pentland, and she used to sponsor the races every year,” Karenne said.

“When she was moving to Mt Isa in 1974, the club gave her a lifetime membership but because she was leaving, she put it in my name.

“And then my husband always wanted to race a horse at Pentland so he always made sure he had a few horses in and he won a couple of Pentland Cups, and that got me involved too.

“I took over in the secretary/treasurer type of role but being secretary didn't suit me, because I was not real good on the computer and everything's computerised these days.

“I don't mind the treasury though, I prefer that.”

The small town in the Charters Towers region of the state’s north has a population of just under 250 people.

For their annual race day in November, Pentland’s population swells with over 500 racegoers attending the meeting and camping trackside.

Like most small country towns, Karenne said the races were the highlight of the year and helped the community push through tough times.

“It does such a lot for the club…the town looked like dying there for a while, when the meatworks closed and everyone was gone, but the races still kept going,” Karenne said.

“The hotels and the accommodation side and the fuel side boost the whole town and not just the race meeting.

“It’s also good for the horses because it's usually the last race on the western circuit, so all the trainers keep their horses in to come to Pentland.

“It has got a good name it, they all like the track, it's not too hard and it's just a good track.

“Sometimes people say they wished it was held in the winter because it gets a bit hot but we've got very good shade cover with trees and sheds so we're pretty well organised that way.

“It's great to see the town get involved and it boosts the whole town.”

Husband Jeff is also a former president of the Pentland Race Club, with the couple often going to the track for working bees.

They are aided by the club’s other committee members, as well as several locals and even residents from out of town.

Karenne says with a laugh that she barely gets to see any of the action on race day as she is usually sitting inside the office making sure everything runs smoothly.

“One lady who is a sponsor comes out and helps me all day in the office because it’s fairly hectic in there,” Karenne said.

“Even people that don't live in Pentland, they come and travel out - people like Richard Jordan who used to be president there for a couple of years still travels out from Charters Towers and helps out.

“We've got an elderly gentleman with a mower who goes over there every day - you go there any time of the year, and the race grounds are looking wonderful.

“Laura Peagham has been a big help too since taking over as secretary, she does a very good job.

“She gets a lot of her friends and the teachers at her school involved so that's what we needed, some younger people coming along,

“There's a lot of people there and it's just a good team effort.”

Secretary Laura Peagham nominated Karenne for the Cheer A Volunteer award, citing her dedication and passion to the club.

She said the septuagenarian was a worthy winner of the award, having contributed significantly to the club’s growth and success.

“Karenne has played a key role in securing sponsorship funding, ensuring the financial stability of the club,” Laura said.

“As the current treasurer, she manages financial operations with diligence and commitment.

“Her active participation extends to attending all working bees, demonstrating her hands-on approach and unwavering support.

“Karenne is widely regarded as the heart and driving force of the club, inspiring others with her dedication and enthusiasm for the racing industry.”

Pentland Race Club will host its annual meeting on Saturday, November 22.

Clubs are encouraged to nominate their valued volunteers for the award, which is sponsored by Neil Mansell Transport & Mittys.

State-wide, there are more than 8,300 volunteers who make an invaluable contribution to the industry, providing their time and expertise to sustain Queensland’s three codes of racing.

Click here for more information on Cheer A Volunteer and to nominate.