Port Mac Goss: Nardi Beresford

PORT Macquarie Race Club CEO Nardi Beresford is a passionate advocate for horse racing and her community.

She joins me for this week’s edition of Port Mac Goss.

Nardi, tell us how you got involved in the world of horse racing?

I grew up in the small town of Quirindi in North West NSW. This is where I met my husband and we have two wonderful sons and now four beautiful grandchildren. My interest in racing came when I joined the Quirindi Jockey Club as Secretary/Manager and then working at Scone Race Club. I have been involved in the administration side of the racing industry for over 15 years and I have now been with Port Macquarie Race Club for eight years.

In your role as CEO of the Race Club you wear many hats, what does a normal day look like for you?

In my role as the CEO of a race club, there is no normal day or week. This is why I love the job. Every day and every week is different. Of course you have the usual tasks you do each week but something is always different, be it a function, races or a concert. Some weeks you just never know what is going to happen.

The Race Club recently hosted the 2025 Port Macquarie Cup. Can you give our readers a debrief on the event?

We had a fantastic Cup Day and loved seeing everyone enjoy themselves. From the Brookvale Union Lawn Party to the Rose Rose Retreat to the fabulous fashions, everyone had a great time. The Port Cup is such an iconic day on the town’s social calendar and visitors are jumping on board. We have more ideas up our sleeve to make next year bigger and better.

As a community, what do you think makes Port Macquarie so special?

I am still only relatively new to the region and came from a community of 3000 people. I thought Port would be like a city, I have since learned it is still a small town with community values. We all are proud of where we live and as a business I find it very important to support other businesses, community and sporting organisations as well as charities. I love being involved in such a proactive community.​

Finally, what do you like to do for fun?

I have recently branched out and joined a syndicate in ownership of a horse which is very exciting. In my down time (which isn’t often) I enjoy spending time with family and friends, fishing and reading. It is also nice to attend other clubs’ racedays to support and enjoy their days (and maybe get some ideas along the way).

By Dave ‘Scoop’ LAZARUS