James Waddell has taken the helm at Albion Park Harness Racing Club with a clear goal to restore crowd numbers and revitalise the Brisbane racing venue.
Leadership Transition and Vision
James Waddell has officially commenced duties as the new chief operations officer and chief executive of Albion Park Harness Racing Club. The role was previously held by Ken Rutherford, who is returning to New Zealand to take up a cricket administration position.
Mr Waddell’s appointment was confirmed by the club’s board, with officials citing his experience in wagering, gaming, and large-scale operations as key to future redevelopment plans for the precinct.
Industry Background and Proposed Developments
Mr Waddell has held senior executive roles in both retail and online wagering, including at UBET and PlayUp. His background also includes a decade managing casino operations for a major cruise line. Club leadership has indicated that these credentials align with future ambitions to transform Albion Park Harness Racing Club into a residential and sporting precinct, potentially incorporating licensed gaming facilities.
Focus on Reviving Attendance
The club’s new executive is focused on re-establishing Albion Park Harness Racing Club as a popular destination for live racing. He has expressed a strong interest in reviving the scale of attendance previously seen at the venue, where large race day crowds and supporting transport links once defined the local racing culture.
Mr Waddell has pointed to recent overseas experiences and domestic racing initiatives as examples of how racing events can be repositioned to attract large audiences in a competitive entertainment environment.
Strategic Comparisons and Industry Benchmarks
Drawing comparisons to initiatives in New South Wales, where strategic investment has significantly boosted racing engagement, Waddell has acknowledged the importance of long-term planning and market responsiveness. He believes similar strategic direction could reinvigorate interest in Queensland harness racing.
Major Racing Event on the Horizon
Albion Park Harness Racing Club will host the Inter Dominion series over the next three years, with the 2025 finals scheduled for July. The series is expected to attract considerable attention, especially with top Queensland pacer Leap to Fame among the competitors. Club officials see the event as an opportunity to rebuild engagement and showcase the venue’s racing calibre to a broader audience.
Published 29-Mar-2025
