Bernie is a born and bred New South Welshman, spending the first 31 years of his life in Sydney, where being active in sport and the outdoors has always been his passion, whether it be at work or play. He has enjoyed various forms of the Martial Arts including Karate, Jiu Jitsu, and Judo, while also spending plenty of time on the Rugby League and Touch football fields. Bernie always had an attraction to work with both horses and the outdoors, which ultimately led to him commencing his now 40 year career in the racing industry. Being in Sydney, young Bernie was thrust straight onto the biggest stage, starting at Rosehill and Canterbury race tracks as a Track hand. Through the next 11 years, Bernie had progressed into the position of Track Supervisor, being accountable for the output of 45 employees. An opportunity arose for a change with a move to the renowned provincial track of Newcastle offered. Here Bernie spent 15 years refining his craft as Assistant Track Manager at one of New South Wales busiest racing facilities, also delving into a role at the barriers on race days as an Assistant Starter. With Bernie’s invaluable experience across several tracks now for all to see, he found himself seconded back to the big lights of the city and a role as Assistant Track Manager of Royal Randwick, and 2 years, then asked to become Track Manger of the Warwick Farm facility. Here he stayed for a further 3 years before moving to Wyong in the same capacity. The Scone race track was undergoing some change and issues, and here it was under the recommendation of NSW Track Adviser Dave Hodgson, Bernie was asked to apply his valued trade to the well renowned Scone surface. Since his arrival in Scone, Bernie has showcased his skill set by reaffirming to the industry and its followers, what an incredible racing surface Scone is. His intent on making the Scone surface of world class standard drives him to succeed when often the elements or equipment at times are fighting against him. Bernie’s sheer enjoyment of dealing with stakeholders, the horses and the challenges of running a first class facility, assist in keeping him focused and committed at all times.