BRENDAN Drechsler said he was "shocked and "honoured" to be presented with life membership of the Bendigo Jockey Club.
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The BJC presented Drechsler with the honour during Saturday's Yalumba Golden Mile Raceday.
"I had no idea the club was going to do this,'' Drechsler said.
"It's a shock to me and a huge honour.
"I'm involved with the Bendigo Jockey Club because I love it.
"I'm very proud to have been made a life member."
Drechsler has been on the committee of the BJC for 20 years and has been chairman for the past six-and-a-half years.
He's also a life member of the Marong Racing Club.
"I cherish this because my Dad (Jack) was a life member of the Marong and Bendigo jockey clubs as well,'' Drechsler said.
The BJC chairman said he was elated with how the Golden Mile Raceday was received.
"We've had the meeting for three years now and I think it's got better each year,'' Drechsler said.
"Despite the rain it was a great day. Not many other tracks would have coped with the rain we had.
"Some other tracks would have been mud heaps and the races would have been cancelled."