Saturday, March 20 sees racing return to Gunsynd Park after a short recess.

The Club is excited as not only does racing return, but it marks the first anniversary of turf track racing in Goondiwindi.

And what a 12 months it has been.

The Race Club has had a changing of the guard with new President, Michael Watt taking over after a four-year stint by past-president Geoff Makim.

“And in what good shape he has handed it on,” Michael said.

“Racing is really humming at he moment. We have had the excitement of Gundy Son racing well and winning on Magic Millions Day and of course, Boggabilla’s own Hoss Heinrich taking out the Magic Millions with Military Rose.

The last meeting may have ended on a sour note following the break-in at the track after the last raceday but after that incident, a few things have gone our way”, he said.

“We had an initial working bee to reinstate all the TVs that where either stolen or damaged and a final working bee will be held this Sunday for any fine tuning that needs attention.

The recent rains have been a godsend and the track and grounds will be outstanding for the first meeting.

“On a sad note however, we recently lost our patron Vern Kleinschmidt and the club will remember Vern at the March meeting.

“No one can truly comprehend the support that Vern extended to this club and he will be sadly missed by all,” Michael said.

The feature race on the program will be the Class B Boggabilla Cup run over 1000m

The Boggabilla Cup was rejuvenated about six or seven years ago continuing a long tradition from the days of racing at Boggabilla.

Another initiative for the day will be the “Women In Business” Class 1 Handicap.

This is a new event and the club has decided to pay tribute to women in all sectors of the workforce.

“The Border Rivers Chamber of Commerce has commenced this wonderful concept and the Goondiwindi Race Club has decided to recognize their efforts in naming a race after the project,” Michael said.

Racing will begin at about 1.45pm depending on time allocations and pun-ters can obtain the latest fields and form by logging onto www.queenslandracing.com.au and go to Race Fields or Horse Form

“We hope to see you at Gunsynd Park Saturday March 20 for Racing at its best in the West on turf,” Michael said.