In fact, the popular track manager admits he'll leave Skellatar Park with "a tear in his eye".

After almost a decade in the role, and turning the track into one of the best circuits in country racing, Bottomley is venturing to "greener pastures".

But, true to his professional nature, he won't say farewell to the organisation until the running of the 2020 Muswellbrook Gold Cup on March, March 27.

"I'll honestly be sad to go," he said.

"I've been here [MRC] for the past eight-and-a-half years [and even longer in the region].

"I have enjoyed every moment, too.

"However, I'm moving to the South Coast as my wife was offered a job down there.

"So, it's a big move for the family.

"I'll miss the dear friends I've made.

"There are a lot of good people in this valley."

Bottomley said he could not praise the crew at the Muswellbrook Race Club enough.

"We all work well together," he explained.

"In my time, we've been extremely successful as well.

"We've won the NSW Country Race Club of the Year award twice (2013 and 2018) and finished runner-up on another six occasions.

"That's a fairly good effort in anyone's books.

"Muswellbrook was also fortunate to secure the Country Championships Wild Card meeting - and has kept it ever since.

"That's a coup for the town, bringing provincial standard racing to MRC.

"General managers Helen Sinclair and Duane Dowell have steered the ship in the right direction - everything's certainly improved out of sight.

"A strong committee is a key, too.

"There are some exciting times for MRC moving forward."

Bottomley said the recent dry spell had not only tested himself, but others in similar positions.

"Let's put it this way, the drought hasn't made things any easier," he added.

"Luckily, I've got a good, loyal team [alongside me] - they've got us through it.

"One of our highlights over the years was the resurrection of the 750m turn.

"It had a bad reputation when I first arrived.

"However, after a lot of hard work, we regained the confidence of the trainers and jockeys.

"I was pretty proud about that."

Dowell said MRC wished Bottomley and his family all the very best for the future.

"Steve has been part of, and led, a successful track maintenance team, which has produced a consistently good track over the past eight years," he explained.

"The performance of our racecourse is one of the reasons we received the Country Race Club of the Year award in recent times.

"His experience and knowledge will definitely be missed."