2015 Bingara Races record numbers

February 7, 2015

The weather turned up in style, as did the people with over a thousand through the gate at last Saturday’s annual Bingara Races.

Crowd favourite for the Austbrokers RWA Bingara Cup Subarc ($2.50F) had locals and visitors punting for a sure win but it was outsider Rhodonite ($5) ridden by Vad Bolozhinkskyi and trained by Lea Selby who surprised them all and strolled effortlessly past the finish line followed by Our Boy Danny and Change of Face.

Rhodonite is a seasoned 11 year old bay gelding who has had 106 starts for 14 wins and now amassed $154,785 prizemoney for connections. Bingara Jockey Club president Sinclair Munro was very impressed with how the day played out.

“It was a very successful race day, being one of the biggest race meets, with good fields and exciting races,”said Sinclair. “It was great to see so many people enjoying our annual race day."

Bilsborough’s Complimentary Bus Service were kept busy moving patrons between the town centre and the racecourse.

Lea Selby who trains a small team of 6 horses at Armidale had a day to remember with three winners, all ridden by Vad Bolozhinskyi.

It was a clean sweep for lady trainers with Jane Clement from Bendemeer and Sheree Mcewan from Goondiwindi leading in the other winners.

The crowd was a sea of colour, classy dresses, fascinators and hats alike, making a difficult task for the Fashion on the Field judges. Winning the prestigious Lady of the Day title was Melissa Meloy of Warialda.

Ms Bingara Races was awarded to Katlyn South while Taylor Lewis took out the Miss Young Racegoer section and local Bingara boy, Jake White Mr Young Racegoer. Robert Carey from Tamworth won the Sir Dapper Award, Candice O’Neil wore the best hat, best fascinator was worn by Jacki Lyons and Peter Pollock won Mr Cool and Comfortable.

Jockey Adam Sewell who rode last year’s Bingara Cup Winner, rode Fields of Oxley first across the finish line in the Meat on Maitland/H Roy Miller Maiden Plate which saw horse Captain Kardia come in a close second. Testamentor trained by Jane Clement and ridden by Jessica Drury won the 5 Star Electrical & Air Benchmark 1100m.

President Sinclair Munro said it was an end of an era with H Roy Miller Stock Agents sponsoring the last of many race meetings at Bingara. “The Bingara Jockey Club wish Rob and Judy Northcott, who have been strong supporters of the Club for at least 28 years, the best for the future,” he said.

“The Race Day is made possible with many sponsors including race sponsors – Campbells Fuel Supplies, H Roy Miller, Meat on Maitland, 5 Star Electrical and Air, Austbrokers RWA and McGregor Gourlay Agricultural Services.”

Many volunteers worked hard to make the day a success, including the Committee, Martin Hansford, Eric and Noelene Ozols operating the bar, Barrier attendants, the SES and The Westpac Rescue Helicopter Fundraising Committee who supplied delicious meals.

"Continual improvements have been made to the racecourse, with the imperative grassing of the crossing before the winning post. Also the recent purchase of another shade structure has made it more comfortable for racegoers,” Sinclair concluded.

See last week’s bingara Advocate for fantastic photos of the event.