James Heddo at the commencement of his new role as CEO Hawkesbury Race Club.
James Heddo thought he was in need of a change of career direction when he resigned from the ATC Executive team in 2020. He found that change in the hospitality industry, spending some 15 months as CEO of the Terrigal Bowling Club. He hadn’t factored in the withdrawal symptoms associated with leaving the racing industry after 33 years. Few were surprised when he was recently appointed as CEO of the Hawkesbury Race Club. We talk to James about time away from the racetrack.
He talks of the rich history of racing in the Hawkesbury region, and the high profile Sydney trainers who are clamoring for stable accommodation.
James takes us back to the Doomben meeting he attended with his mother and siblings in 1978. He says the outing was the catalyst for his career in racing even though he was completely lost on the day.
He looks back on the special day a decade later when he started his new job as a racing assistant with the Sydney Turf Club. Part of the job was to attend Rosehill trackwork every morning. Some of his most cherished memories come from this era.
James nominates his favourite trainer, horse and jockey.
The experienced administrator recalls his move to Townsville after twelve years with the STC. He loved every minute of his five years in northern Queensland.
James looks back on the chance phone conversation that led him to an appointment as the CEO of the Bendigo Jockey Club. Again he cherished the experience.
A lover of the NSW Central Coast from an early age, James jumped at the opportunity to take over as CEO of the Gosford Race Club. He learned many other facets of race club administration over the next eight years.
With 28 years in race club administration under his belt, it was no surprise when James Heddo landed the role of Executive General Manager of Racing Services with the Australian Turf Club. James looks back on his five years with the relatively new race club.
James pays tribute to some special people who helped shape his career.
It’s a pleasant trip down memory lane with a man who’s made many friends in racing over more than three decades.
(Banner image - One of James Heddo’s all time favourites Might And Power (Brian York) in one of his 15 wins - the 1998 Chelmsford Stakes defeating Juggler (Larry Cassidy) - courtesy Bradley Photographers.)
James in the Canterbury weighing room early in his career with Bill Dale and Noel Cuthbert
James with Gosford Race Club directors Jim McFadyen, Stephen McShane and Michael Griffiths at Sha Tin races 2014 .
Another night at Sha Tin with Michael Griffiths and Michael Cusick.
James was one of many guests to farewell retiring ATC General Manager of Racecourses Lindsay Murphy in 2019.