Former Gold Coast racecaller Alan Thomas and champion racehorse Starcraft were inducted into the GCTC Hall of Fame at last night’s annual industry awards.

Thomas, who began calling at the GCTC in 1971 and fittingly made his last call at the same venue on Goldmarket Day in 2015, was taken by surprise with the honour and said he was extremely excited about the club’s future with Night Racing set to kick off in 2024.

“As an 18-year-old I stood here on the first of January 1971 and called the first Saturday race meeting at this turf club,” said Thomas.

“If it wasn’t for this club, I wouldn’t be standing here.

“One thing about the Gold Coast Turf Club, it has always improved and engaged with the times of the industry and that’s what we’re seeing now.

“I think the future of this club has no boundaries at all. When the lights go on, I’ll be here.”

Former champion jockey Glen Boss was a special guest speaker on the night and helped induct former Gold Coast champion Starcraft into the Hall of Fame alongside Petra Newnham, the wife of the late Gary Newnham.

Boss rode Starcraft to Group 1 glory during his time in the saddle and developed a great affinity with the horse.

GCTC INDUSTRY AWARD WINNERS 2022/23

GOLD COAST HORSE OF THE YEAR – Serigala (Tom Cowan) and Expresso Love (Danny Bougoure)

PREMIERSHIP HORSE OF THE YEAR – Damiani (Les Kelly) and Pernell (Jay Bellamy)

FEATURE HORSE OF THE YEAR – Zaaki (Annabel Neasham)

GCTC APPRENTICE JOCKEY & JOCKEY PREMIERSHIP AWARD – Bailey Wheeler

GCTC TRAINER PREMIERSHIP – Toby and Trent Edmonds

THE “WOW’’ AWARD – Ella Batten (AITC Student)

HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE (HORSE) – Starcraft

HALL OF FAME (ASSOCIATE) – Alan Thomas