October 13, 2015

The Australian Turf Club has joined the NSW racing community in paying tribute today to one of the industry’s most respected administrators, Mr William (Bill) Rutledge AM.

Mr Rutledge, a former committee member and Chairman of the AJC, and also the inaugural Chairman of the NSW Thoroughbred Racing Board (now Racing NSW), passed away in Gosford Hospital this afternoon. He was aged 77.

ATC Chairman Michael Crismale and CEO Darren Pearce sent their condolences to Mr Rutledge’s family on behalf of the Board and Members of the Club.

Mr Pearce said: “Bill was one of racing’s true gentlemen, and someone who served the AJC and the NSW racing industry with enormous distinction.

“He had great passion for racing and for attending race meetings whenever he could, travelling far and wide across NSW.

“We join the racing fraternity in thanking him for his long service, and our condolences go to his children Robert, Virginia and Naomi, and all of their family on their sad loss.’’

Mr Rutledge was first elected to the AJC Committee in July 1988 before also being elected as Chairman of the NSW Thoroughbred Racing Board.

He was later Vice-Chairman of the AJC in September 2000 and then elected as Chairman in March 2001.

In May 2003, Mr Rutledge stood down as Chairman but remained on the Committee until 28 June 2003, when he resigned after reaching his maximum 15-year service under the former Club’s Constituion.

He also served on the Board of the TAB, and was a committee member of the Gosford Race Club, and the Newcastle, Hunter and Central Coast Racing Association

Bill was recognised with a Member of the Order of Australia for his services to the thoroughbred racing industry in 2005.

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