GOONDIWINDI is set for one of the biggest Australia Day Race Day celebrations it has seen for a long time and all with the good old “Aussie Theme”.
The Racing in Goondiwindi will follow the Rotary Awards morning in the Goondiwindi Town Park and the Inglewood awards as well.
The card includes a strong five event program, which will feature the first running of the Inglewood Chamber of Commerce Cup. Racing was extremely strong in
Inglewood until the 1950’s when racing folding. Goondiwindi race patrons would catch the rail motor from Goondiwindi to Inglewood for the races back in the 50’s an old regular told the Race Club.
After that an Inglewood Cup was run at Texas when the Texas Jockey Club had the two dates but following the reduction of dates, the Inglewood Cup folded again.
Goondiwindi Race Club President, Michael Watt said the Goondiwindi Race Club was thrilled to be able to revitalize the Inglewood Cup and especially on such a significant day.
“We hope this will be come an annual event,” he said. A number of local Inglewood businesses have sponsored the event and a large crowd is expected to attend the races following the respective Australia Day celebrations in each town.
The Inglewood Chamber of Commerce slogan of “Catch the Country Spirit” will be especially significant on this day as the good old Aussie Theme ties in.
“The club is trying to attract some activities for the kids as well,” Mr. Watt explained.
The other four races will comprise of the Goondiwindi Combined Hoteliers Maiden Handicap, Goondiwindi Agents and Construction Suppliers Maiden, Main Street Traders Class 3 and the Goondiwindi Industrial Centre Class B. Any business wishing to enter into a small sponsorship package should contact President Michael Watt at Black Truck and Ag.
This year will be the first time ever that Gunsynd Park will provide a Goondiwindi Cup, a Goondiwindi Picnic Cup, a Boggabilla Cup and an Inglewood Cup all in the one year. Along with that, take into account that Talwood and Texas also stage Cup meetings of their own, it shows the great strength and support behind Country Racing in our area,” President Watt said today.
After the races, the club will pay tribute to the extraordinary efforts of local designer Tia Carrigan who won the Myer Design Award at this year’s Melbourne Cup. Tia will be at Gunsynd Park to conduct a fashion parade and display some of the successful fashions that she is associated with. This will start immediately after the last race.
Tia’s achievements exemplify the great Country Spirit that exists in Rural Australia. For a young girl from Boomi – just outside of Goondiwindi to achieve such great heights is a credit to her and her family that have worked so hard to make this dream come true.
To complete the day, Inglewood’s own entertainer “Henry Bartholomew” will entertain the crowd with some great Aussie Music until just after 7pm. As Australia Day falls in the middle of the week, we can’t make it too late a night,” President Watt explained.
We hope that families support this great Aussie Race Day. The grounds are in immaculate condition and the Turf track has added an extra dimension to racing at Gunsynd Park. The venue is licensed and consequently, alcohol must be purchased through the bar and can not be brought onto the grounds. The catering is first class and extremely reasonable at Gunsynd Park and families can be easily catered for.
Being the only meeting on the Downs that day, a very strong bookmakers ring is assured and the Tote as always will be operating in the undercover betting ring.
The club is hoping that patrons will arrange your group of workplace or social club mates and make a day of festivities at the Australia Day Races at Gunsynd Park.
What better way to celebrate Australia Day than a good old Aussie Race Day?
Race patrons will be well aware of the horrific fall at Clifford Park on New Years Eve involving Kristy Banks.
A lucky draw has been arranged to assist with some of the medical costs that will be incurred and this will be drawn after the last race on Australia Day. Tickets are $10 each and are on sale now at Goondiwindi Travel Centre, the Toowoomba Turf Club and from Daryl Gollan. Tickets will also be sold on the day if there are any left.
The prize is a trip for two people to the Australia Cup/Newmarket Super Saturday of Racing at Flemington with a Dining package in the Panorama Room in the Hill Stand including return flights ex Brisbane.
The winner will also receive a Win Tote bet courtesy of Tatts Bet of $1,000 on the horse of your choice in the Australia Cup.
A special book buyer’s prize of a $500 bet on the horse of your choice in the Newmarket Handicap is also a part of the prize.
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