Mr Rutlidge passed away on October 13 after a long battle with cancer. Mr Rutledge gave virtually a lifetime of voluntary service to the racing industry, joining the board of the Gosford District Agricultural and Citrus Association (now the Gosford Race Club) in 1966 at the age of 29.
He served until 1988 when his election to the Australian Jockey Club Committee required him to step down. As Treasurer of Gosford Race Club, Mr Rutledge played a major role in establishing the club’s long term fi nancial security, the benefi ts of which are still being felt today. During the following 15 years from 1988, Mr Rutledge served as a board member of the AJC and TAB, ultimately being elected chairman of both the AJC and Racing NSW.
Mr Rutledge rejoined the board of the GRC in 2003, where he consistently rejected an executive position in favour of mentoring the younger board members who have been privileged to benefi t from his extraordinary wisdom and humility. Mr Rutledge is survived by his children Naomi, Robert, Virginia and their families. Mr Rutledge’s funeral service was held at The Entertainment Grounds, Gosford Racecourse, West Gosford, on October 20.
Emails, Oct 13 and 14, 2015 James Heddo, Gosford Race Club