Simpson did not seek re-election to the Dunedin club’s committee at its annual meeting in September, ending an official term of 24-years.
Simpson’s contribution to the club goes back further than when she joined the committee in 1995, and it is set to continue.
She started helping at Forbury Park meetings when her father, club stalwart the late Viv Anngow, was made president in 1978.
“I have done a big stint – over 30 years. I don’t regret any of it,” Simpson said.
“I have met a lot of nice people.
“I have enjoyed my time, but I just felt it was time to finish up.”
Simpson and her family have made an huge contribution to the club.
She and her late father were made life members of the club.
Simpson’s grand-daughters, Ella and Amelia Simpson, work at the club, helping with administration on race nights.
Simpson plans to still attend Forbury Park meetings and support her son Darryn’s racing team.
“I haven’t missed many meetings. If it is a wet night I still come out and I am going to keep coming.”
Darryn’s horses are doing much better than horses Simpson has raced.
“Any horses I have had have all been nil – they have all had gammy legs like me!”
Simpson is recuperating from a knee operation, but it did not stop her from greeting the winner of the In Appreciation of Maureen Simpson Mobile Pace on Wednesday night.
“When I saw the club named the race after me . . . I wasn’t expecting anything like that.”
Simpson said another highlight of her time at Forbury Park was being involved in its women’s committee.
The committee eventually faded out, like the crowds of Forbury Park’s heyday.
Simpson said the key to attracting more people to the races was by engaging and growing its membership base and for the club to effectively communicate with its members.
