By MIKE DILLON
No one wants to run a sinking ship.
Barry Neville-White took the job and now the Auckland Racing Club is on the black side of the ledger and flying.
When he retired as chairman of the ARC at Ellerslie races on Saturday, Barry Neville-White could reflect that not long ago the club owed $24 million and could not write a cheque for more than $2000 without bank endorsement.
"This club owes Barry a huge debt of thanks," said ARC chief executive David Lloyd.
"Although it was before my time, the club, because of financial difficulties, did not think it was going to be able to run the old Air New Zealand Stakes only days out from the race and Barry got that cleared and everything went ahead.
"He has helped to save this club from serious financial trouble, certainly saving it from not being able to continue in its present form. It came close to that."
From the outside, Neville-White's manner has been stylish.
Earlier this year he came under fire from a firebrand element on the ARC board and his grace under fire in an extremely difficult situation impressed almost everyone.
"Clearing the debt was the big thing," he said.
"But improving the members' facilities, recognising the importance of owners with the pre-race drinks in the mounting yard and introducing the stakes bonus scheme for those who support the club are things we can feel good about at Ellerslie," said Neville-White yesterday.
The ARC has always had a strong raceday woman influence and Neville-White, a member of the ARC executive for 13 years, including two as chairman, says he could not have achieved what he did without the help of his wife Dierdre.
Geoff Clatworthy will take over from Neville-White at the ARC annual meeting on Monday week.
Racing: ARC chairman relinquishes reins now club is flying high
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