Lodge has 35 years experience in harness racing and administration but decided to retire and encouraged Judd to step into the position.

At first the 20-year-old was hesitant, but decided to step up to the mark.

“I thought I might be able to make a little bit of a difference,” Judd said.

Handicapping and scheduling of races in the region are things Judd would like to work on.

“I know that we have had a couple of meetings washed out but apart from that all we had was Griffith with two meetings and Young had a meeting,” he said.

“Albury and Temora both had a meeting washed out but to go six weeks without having Wagga racing is a bit of a joke really.

“Then they have three meetings there in 10 days so it goes from one extreme to the other.

“Things like that need fixing up”

Garry Punch remains on as president.