Yet from a media release signed "The Directors" and press comments from secretary-manager Craig Kelly, it would appear the club is blaming the loss of meetings and Racing NSW as the major reasons for its demise. The statement reads in part: "The financial position of the club, and the deterioration of its reserves over a period of time, has been made clear to members of the club and Racing NSW in detail over the past four years. The fact is fixed and operational costs of country race clubs are increasing at a rate that far exceeds any potential increase in revenue. In the case of Ballina, the wet weather resulting in lost or deferred race meetings has been the final straw that has depleted the club of its financial reserves. To a certain extent we can sympathise with Racing NSW in having to finance the increasing costs of complying with the Racing NSW minimum standards for country race clubs as it is not commercially sustainable. In the interest of all participants and stakeholders in country racing, the need for rationalisation is urgent. Scott Kennedy from Racing NSW hopes to recruit people with a strong connection to Ballina and "the right mix of skills" to get the club back on its feet. Boom country apprentice John Kissick scooped a big-race double at Wellington last Sunday, winning the $60,000 Wellington Boot aboard Power Alert and the $30,000 Town Plate on Living On A Prayer. Kissick, apprenticed to Peter Clancy in Leeton, has been doing plenty of border-hopping lately, riding 25 winners in Victoria including 13 in town. Last season's champion NSW country apprentice has ridden nearly 160 winners. Meanwhile, the Dave Heywood-trained Living On A Prayer is headed towards the $80,000 Wagga Town Plate on May 2. And from the recent Albury carnival, trainer Brett Cavanough has big plans for Albury Cup winner Niblick, pencilling in the $300,000 Hollindale Stakes at the Gold Coast on May 4. Stablemate Prince Pedro is being aimed at the $175,000 Prime Minister's Cup on the same program. TAB meetings: Sunday - Mudgee, Nowra. Monday - Muswellbrook. Tuesday - Tamworth. Wednesday - Lismore. Friday - Scone, Canberra. Saturday - Taree, Goulburn.