Tasmanian racing lost one of its longest-serving administrators yesterday when Rod Thirkell-Johnson passed away as a result of illness.
Mr Thirkell-Johnson was one of Tasmanian racing’s most respected administrators.
He was aligned with the Tasmanian Turf Club for 50 years. He became a member of the TTC in 1960 and joined the committee in 1977.
Mr Thirkell-Johnson also served as a committeeman until 1989 when he was elected chairman and he held that position until 1996 when he stepped down to concentrate on issues in the wool industry in his role as a member of the Wool Council of Australia.
He was back at the helm two years later and from 2001 he was a constant member of the Tasmanian Thoroughbred Racing Council.
Mr Thirkell-Johnson stepped down from his role as TTC chairman when he was appointed to the inaugural Tasracing board in 2009.
Mr Thirkell-Johnson brought decades of experience in racing administration to the table, which was a valuable asset, particularly in Tasracing’s infancy.
Testament to his ability as a racing administrator is further evidenced in his role as a delegate to the Australian Racing Board.
Mr Thirkell-Johnson will be sadly missed.