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The entire NSW Thoroughbred Racing Industry is saddened by the passing of Mr Merv Mercer last night, aged 89.

Only two months back Merv and his wife Janice were in Sydney attending the Racing NSW Country Awards where he was recognised for his significant and tireless contribution to the Coffs Harbour Racing Club and racing in NSW by receiving the prestigious Simon Nivison Award.

Mr Mercer was nominated by the Club for his extensive contribution to country racing in NSW spanning 57 years.

The Late Mr Merv Mercer at Coffs Harbour's Pink Silks Raceday

“I became associated with Coffs Harbour [Racing Club] in 1966 where I was president for years and then a Board member,” Merv said recently.

“I’m now in my eighties and still mowing the place, and my wife Janice is also helping out. I love mowing as you can see a reward at the end and it’s good for the Club.

“I’m now a Life Member as I’ve been here that long and I’m proud that the Club named the main auditorium after me.”

Merv was initially a tiler by trade and moved to Coffs Harbour to work at a banana plantation prior to becoming a builder and developer.

When president, Merv, with the assistance of the late champion racecaller Ken Howard, reinstated the Coffs Harbour Cup which hadn’t been run for 15 years.

Merv also built a stable block at the course 30 years ago which is named after his Group 1-winning galloper Just a Steal. Merv also built the current Club’s offices.

“That was my biggest thrill in racing winning the Spring Champion Stakes at Randwick with Just a Steal [trained by Tommy Smith] in 1978,” he said.

Merv won more than 200 country races as an owner and around 20 in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

“Merv was a Club stalwart racking up 500 hours per year voluntary work for the Club mainly mowing and general repairs,” said Coffs Harbour Racing Club’s CEO, Tim Saladine.

“After each raceday Merv and Janice would go through the recycling and they used the money raised for a participant’s BBQ at each meeting and Merv cooked himself.

“Any monies left over Merv would spend on repairs, signage and ‘treats’ for the track staff.

“Merv’s countless hours has saved the Club an endless amount of money and ensured the course is always presented to a high standard.

“Merv will be greatly missed by not just racing people throughout NSW that knew him, but the wider Coffs Harbour community.”