TRIBUTES have started to flow in for Scone racing identity Noel Leckie, who died on Tuesday morning.
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The highly-respected Scone Race Club chairman was instrumental in turning the town’s premier cup meeting into the prestigious two-day carnival it is today.
Mr Leckie, 64, spent 23 years on the committee and more than 20 of them as either vice-chairman or chairman.
He indicated to family and friends that he intended to step down in the new year, saying his health issues were well documented.
Former CEO Sarah Wills said “it was so very sad to lose Noel”.
“Not only have we lost a friend but he is also a great loss to the industry,” she told the Advocate.
“His contribution to the Scone Race Club is immeasurable and the support and advice he gave me in my time there was always appreciated and will always be remembered.
“His passion for, and knowledge of, the thoroughbred breeding and racing industry was incredible.
“A very astute man.
“The enormous success of the stand alone carnival at Scone is a testament to his foresight and exceptional leadership skills.
“He will be remembered for all of this and much more.
“My condolences to Julie, Campbell and Skye.”
One of Scone’s leading trainers, Rod Northam, said Mr Leckie was “great for racing and a great bloke”.
“He was behind a push for increased prize money and getting more [money] to improve tracks,” Mr Northam said.
“Country Racing NSW is in debt to him for a lot of what he’s done.
“He turned a one-day carnival into two days and it’s gone from strength-to-strength ever since then.
“He’s been a great supporter of mine and other local trainers.”
Muswellbrook Race Club CEO Duane Dowell echoed the sentiments of Ms Wills and Mr Northam.
“You certainly wouldn’t meet a more passionate racing man than Noel,” he said.
“He was very well-respected from the country to Sydney – a prominent figure throughout the state.
“I had the pleasure of working with Noel over the past couple of years due to the strong relationship between the Scone and Muswellbrook clubs.
“He’ll be sorely missed.”