He received a draft copy of the audited financials on Wednesday morning which show the increased revenue and attendance figures. Ballard was willing to disclose the numbers after the annual general meeting. 

“The right thing to do is let the members know how we are going first and foremost,” he said. 

“It’s not massive amounts of money but it’s still a pleasing increase. 

The date of the annual general meeting would be made official following the Spring Cup on Saturday. 

“So we’re probably looking from a fortnight from this weekend.” 

The club president replaced Peter Inwood following the AGM on September 30 last year – and admitted there had since been a steep learning curve. 

“I would say I have probably done a few things right and made a share of mistakes, but I think 12 months on I am certainly a lot more aware to run a club successfully. I am better positioned than I was 12 months ago should I be re-elected,” Ballard said. 

“I have dealt quite a lot with Racing Queensland to ensure that we are falling in line with their compliance expectations. 

“Mount Isa is a tricky one where we are not a TAB club but host 14 race meetings a year...we host a great deal of meetings which means compliance and expectations we are expected to adhere to are significantly more than most country race clubs.” 

Ballard said that one of the mistakes made was trying to cut costs by relying on a voluntary committee for most of the year.

“I think that probably led to a degree of burnout with most of the members – myself probably included.

“We are very lucky we have got a lot of support from outside the committee as well.

“I would like to put in place a succession plan where the committee burnout is not as much of a factor where people identify the club as a place they want to contribute to.” He wanted as many new faces nominating for a committee position at the AGM as possible. 

The race club will also have upgrades including new barriers, inside and outside track rails, and a new machinery shed. The value of upgrades administered by Racing Queensland’s Country and Regional Capital Works Program is worth more than $100,000. 

“I am 30-years-old and the barriers we have now have been in use that whole time,” Ballard said. “They have reached the end of their service life. The new ones will increase the reliability of our starts and will be more comfortable.” 

It had been difficult to compartmentalise the roles of jockey and as club president. 

“I would say if nothing else the lack of available time to exercise and diet and keep the weight off probably impacted riding a little bit,” Ballard said. 

“This season I ran more winners than the previous season but I do feel I am not as fit as I should be and losing weight is more difficult.”