The Warialda Races are galloping ahead, with planning under away for the meeting to take place on April 4th 2020. Peter Hancock, President of the Warialda Jockey Club, explained to the Gwydir News one of the main priorities of the Club over the last couple of years has been to develop the track to be more consistent over its entire length.
“Unfortunately, with the recent rain, we’ve had someone drive around the track whilst it was wet and created all these ruts in the track,” said Peter. “We now have to try and repair the track as they are now a hazard to the horses and jockeys racing which will entail digging up the ground to remove the ruts and making it level again.”
The rain was warmly welcomed as the bore at the racecourse went dry, but the Warialda Jockey Club have recently been approved a grant from the Country Racing Development Fund to re-sink a new bore. “The Country Racing Development Fund have been very supportive of our plight so hopefully with the new bore and more rain over the next coming weeks, we can get the course back on track and in good condition for the 2020 Race Meet,” said Peter.
Warialda Jockey Club racing towards this year’s race meet
The races, regardless of drought or rain, will be going ahead with a long luncheon planned. Patrons can expect a two-course meal in a beautifully decorated marquee trackside as well as a welcome drink. “The long lunch is an idea we have been trying to get off the ground for quite a while. We wanted to do something for the community which would not only bring more people to the racetrack but also give people an opportunity to get off the farm or workplace and enjoy a day of socialising,” said Laura Cush, committee member of the Warialda Jockey Club.
“It’s a wonderful day at the races and rather than hold two separate events, we thought we would combine the two.” Guests of the luncheon will be dining on a two-course meal catered by Laura Swan, from Swan Fine Foods, whilst sitting trackside to watch the races. The event kicks off at 12 noon with pre-lunch drinks. “Our signature cocktail will be available as well as the favourite PIMMS,” said Laura. Unfortunately, we have had to cap the number of tickets to 150 with over half of these already sold, so those wanting to purchase tickets will need to be quick.
Ticket purchasing can be made through Trybooking.com using the code www.trybooking. com/BIAKL There will a six-race program on the day as well as full bar, barbecue and book making facilities. Gates will open from 12:00pm with the first race commencing around 1:00pm.
Luckily, the committee were able to use the residual funding from last year’s NSW State Government Back to the Track Grant for this year’s live band to perform. There will be entertainment from 5:30pm, after the last race on the day and into the evening.
This year’s Fashions on the Field will again be a highly contested event with some wonderful prizes on offer. Categories include Classic Lady of the Day, Gentleman of the Day, Contemporary Lady of the Day, Best Hat/Fascinator and Junior Fashionista.
“On sunset will be the Barefoot 100m race which is always a crowd pleaser,” said Peter.
aura Cush explains the importance of the annual event. “The aim of the races is to continue to provide the community with events for the whole family to enjoy. The event creates income for the community and provides a wonderful day out.”
“The Warialda Jockey Club is a committee of volunteers who love hosting the event for the community. It takes a mammoth amount of work and it would be wonderful to see as many people enjoying the day as possible.”
Coinciding with the 4th April is the Warialda Rugby League reunion that is celebrating 100 years of rugby league competition in Warialda as well as being 40 years since Warialda had their most successful season. “Back in 1980, Warialda Rugby League clubs won the U14s, U16s, U18s and the A Grade competition, only being beaten in the reserve grade,” said Peter. “There is something for everyone to enjoy at the Warialda Races.”
