Stepping in for former Racing Orange chairwoman, Ellie Brown, Hedley believes there’s no reason why the club can’t be one of the industry leaders in the not too distant future.

“I see great things, great opportunities for Racing Orange in the future,” Hedley said.

“There’s no reason we can’t be the premier country race club in NSW. 

“We’ve got access to Sydney, it’s a great spot, mild weather and I think they’re all things that’ll help us get to where we want to be. 

“We’ve got the upgrades happening to the track at the moment and there’s still plenty of work to do on the stables and other facilities to try and help attract trainers here to Orange.

“But the sky’s the limit, really.”

Hedley, 37, will head a different board, with former trainer Andrew Wardle, Anthony Old and Wayne McDonnell making up the new Racing Orange board.

While Gav Pilossof is relatively new to his role as executive officer as well.

“New faces bring about enthusiasm,” Hedley, a self-confessed racing die hard said.

“I’m a racing enthusiast. I own a few race horses, and I’ve owned a few in the past as well. I hope to own a few faster ones in the future, too.”

Hedley moved to Orange in August, and with a background in thoroughbreds thought the best way to get involved in the community was to immerse himself in the sport he loves at his new home.

He didn’t envisage being chairman, not this early in the piece anyway.

“It’s something I thought would be a good way to give back to the community and get involved,” he said.

“It’s an all-new board. The existing board did a fantastic job after the Golden West break-up, and it’s now up to us to build on that foundation.”

Racing Orange’s next meeting will be on Tuesday, December 8 before the final meeting of the calendar year on Monday, December 28.

The first meeting of the new year will be the club’s Picnic Meeting, on Saturday, January 16.