The racecourse manager marked two decades in the role at Seymour Racing Club on Friday, February 21, and has been integral in ensuring Seymour’s facilities remain among the best on the Victorian country racing scene.
But Brett’s journey to Seymour actually started three decades ago, having had a taste of the industry straight out of school and immediately taking a liking to it.
“As of (last Thursday), I've been in the industry 30 years,” he said.
“I started at Wodonga, I did some work experience there straight out of school and liked what I was doing and then I moved into an apprenticeship.
“(Eventually I) became second in charge there, and then stepped up to being racecourse manager here at Seymour.”
Remaining loyal to the same employer for even 10 years, let alone 20, is becoming an ever-rarer occurrence these days.
But despite the countless hours spent preparing the tracks for morning track work – which is six days a week at Seymour – Brett remains as committed to the club as they are to him.
“20 years is a long time, but the club is really good to work for, they've really supported me over the years,” he said.
“That's a big driving force behind why I'm still here, they're a nice club to work for, they've got some direction and some drive to move forward in the future, so it's just really good.”
20 years as racecourse manager at SRC also means getting the track in tip-top condition for 20 Seymour Cups, the highlight of the club’s racing calendar each year.
And while it is the biggest occasion the club prepares for each season, it is also the event Brett and his five ground staff love to see the back of.
“It's a lot of work, it's one of those situations where you're really excited to see it come, but you're also really excited to see it go because of how much work is involved,” he laughed.
“It is the pinnacle and it's what we drive for every season, the Seymour Cup, and to get (the track) looking at its best.
“Those ‘one percenters’ that you can do to help get ready for the cup are the things that really matter in the end.”
While there are no doubt hundreds of memorable moments from his tenure, it was hard for Brett to pluck out a singular one, although there is one Seymour Cup that stands out, given the owner of the winning horse was former committee member Frank Butler and his family.
"I think the year that Admiral's Joker won the Seymour Cup was good, we know the owners, so that was probably one of the more memorable Seymour Cups,” Brett said.
“But just the club in general, it's been a long journey, and there's been ups and downs with the track, but to see the track where it's at the moment is just good to see. Hopefully the club will just keep on going and... really cement our place in Central Victoria for racing.”
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