The RJC’s oldest member passes away

Bruce McKenzie, the Rockhampton Jockey Club’s oldest member, passed away on Thursday morning following a short illness, aged 97.

Mr. McKenzie, who was awarded life membership of the RJC in February 2024, was a Callaghan Park regular, attending races in Rockhampton most weeks since the 1940s.

An owner and thoroughbred breeder as a younger man, the first horse Mr. McKenzie raced was Cherry Duchess. The mare was trained by Arthur Watson and ran second on debut. Not happy with the initial ride by the jockey, Mr. McKenzie opted for a different rider and started Cherry Duchess again a few days later at Callaghan Park, he got the same result! That was his introduction to horse racing.

Also during the late 1940s and early 1950s, Mr. McKenzie bred thoroughbreds. He was the owner of one of Central Queensland’s leading stallions of that era, Sir Geraint, who sired many winners including the very smart Don Geraint and Lord Geraint who raced with success at Callaghan Park in the early 1950s.

Mr. McKenzie rarely missed a race day at Callaghan Park, making the races a regular outing from his home at Rockhampton’s Range Village. He attended the races earlier this month but was absent on Tuesday and that was when I learned that he wasn’t doing so well.

RJC committeeman Bill Ouston said that his first memory of Bruce has been a Callaghan Park fixture for a very long time. My first memory of Bruce was 30 odd years ago when I first nominated for the committee.

“Bruce came to my office to “interview” me. His care for the RJC was such that he wasn’t going to vote for someone without knowing their intentions,” Bill said.

Mr. McKenzie always brought his magnifying glass and newspaper form guide to Callaghan Park and on race days he was seated at his usual table with friends that included John Davison, Jan Davison, Maureen Olive, and Val Beak. The friends would pool their money and place bets on all local races, getting great enjoyment out of their day out.

Jan Davison was kind enough to give us the very sad news of Mr. McKenzie’s passing. Details for Mr McKenzie’s funeral will be known soon.

Rest in peace my friend, we will save a seat for you to give your table buddies your support in spirit at the Callaghan Park races on Tuesday.

• David Aldred