Deputy Mayor Donna Gates joins Gold Coast Turf Club board of directors

WATCHING her grandfather’s horse Woolstar win the Adelaide Cup in 1963 is one of Donna Gates’ earliest memories as a child.

Deputy Mayor Donna Gates has joined the Gold Coast Turf Club board. Photo: Richard Gosling.

GOLD Coast Deputy Mayor Donna Gates fondly recalls her grandfather’s horse Woolstar winning the Adelaide Cup in 1963 as one of her earliest childhood memories.

And it is a lifetime love of racing that she hopes to bring to her new role on the Gold Coast Turf Club board.

Gates has replaced Heydon Harvey who stood down this month following five years on the board.

“I’ve got big shoes to fill, but I know that the Gold Coast Turf Club and the entire equine/entertainment precinct has a massive future in our city,” Gates said.

“The club is enjoying a period of strong and stable leadership under the guidance of (chairman) Brett Cook and I’m looking forward to being part of the team.”

Gates says Woolstar’s win inspired her love of racing.

“The excitement I recall still makes me smile,” she said.

“My father nominated me for membership of the VRC (Victoria Racing Club), Moonee Valley and the then VATC (Melbourne Racing Club) at a very early age and as soon as possible I was a regular racegoer. Despite many visits to those tracks, the Gold Coast Turf Club is a standout. I’ve been a member since 2003.”

Cook said Gates’ experience and passion for racing made her a perfect inclusion on the board.

“We are delighted to welcome this extraordinary women to our board of directors,” Cook said.

“Her range of experience, depth of insight and love of racing and the city will be an enormous help to GCTC as we seek to serve new and existing clients around the coast.”

Cook said Harvey had played an important role during his time on the board and as a long-time member and major sponsor of the club.

“Over his five year service he has bought tremendous knowledge, dedication and invested his time into the turf club,” Cook said.

“We wish Hayden all the very best in the future. The board members extend their appreciation for his years of service and dedication he has invested into the business.”