WELCOME DALE PUTLAND

Pinjarra Paceway have made some staff changes; Former General Manager Sian Hughes has elected to continue working in a part time capacity, to allow sufficient family time to care for her young daughter. The workload of the Manager at Pinjarra requires full time commitment and accordingly, the Club has appointed Mr Dale Putland as the new Harness Racing Manager – Dale commenced working with the club this week. Dale was kind enough to provide the following bio at very short notice:

My family has a history of being involved with Harness Racing going back to about the 1950’s where two of my uncles were trainer and driver, along with my father who went to reinsman school for a short time, at the same time as the legendary Phil Coulson.

My earliest memories of getting to love Harness Racing was going to Richmond Raceway and watching Pure Steel, Gammalite and other champions.

From there my eldest brother Phil (now deceased) bought a few pacers and then bred his own from a mare he owned called Supatrim from Young Symbol; Phil’s horse, called Harry Gunn, went on to win a Golden Nugget along with a number of other races.

Phil also owned Allo Rene who won a Battle of Bunbury and many others. This further increased my interest and I part owned a number of pacers including: • Satans Dispute, who I claimed and on sold to the USA before he raced for me • Armbro Cornell • Our Star Butler • Jivein • Bank Vault • Machine Gunn Kelli • Vintage Concerto, who I claimed and won 1 race before injury enforced his retirement to a riding school

• I’m turning 53 in August • Married to my wife Debbie for almost 31 years • Son named Jayden who is 29 • Moved to Mandurah 1 year ago after 25 years living in

Leeming • Spent some of my youth living in Busselton where I met my wife • During my time in Busselton I worked at the Busselton

Harness Racing complex for a short time allocating stalls to horses for race night

My interests include: • Horse racing • AFL (West Coast Eagles supporter) • WAFL (East Perth supporter) • Cricket – still playing for Leeming Spartans • Family • Entertaining • Dining out • Getting out in my boat enjoying the beautiful waters of

Mandurah

I’m passionate , approachable , contactable, willing to engage with all members, owners, trainers and the general public to discuss any issues or ideas.

In terms of my previous work history I have been in Sales Management, National Sales Management and General Manager roles for more than 20 years typically in the Pre-Fabricated building industry.

When the opportunity arose to apply for this position, I was excited about the opportunity where I can use my skill set gained in sales, HR, OH&S and management to build on the success of the Pinjarra Harness Racing Club and Harness Racing in WA in general in challenging times caused by Covid 19, along with the many sporting options the general public have to choose from.

My goal is to work with the team at Pinjarra Harness Racing and the racing industry in general to ensure we strengthen our industry’s profile and increase awareness and the public participation in Harness Racing moving forward by building on the great work done by all current and previous industry stakeholders.