The Walcha Cup race meeting will take place tomorrow and Saturday at the picturesque Walcha Racecourse and the Walcha Jockey Club and Walcha Races Social committees are confident of a huge two day carnival.
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Thanks to the hard work of the committee members, especially secretary Kevin Ferrier and vice president Bill Fletcher the amenities on course are in tip-top condition. The track is great condition considering the dry season and if the weather gods favour us this week conditions will suit all horses that are running.
Nominations are 109 on Friday and 60 on Saturday. Trainers from all over NSW have nominated horses. Horses will travel from Sydney, Newcastle, Central Coast, Mid North Coast, Far North Coast, Hunter, Central West and North West regions. This is a testament to the great prize money and the superb track surface that trainers are willing to travel long distances to Walcha to attend the annual meeting.
The continued support from local sponsors has helped ensure quality and increased field sizes, with the total prize money for the meeting $227,000 this year. Long term supporters of the meeting Elders Ltd have remained the 2019 Walcha Cup sponsors, the prize money for the cup is $35,000 which is remarkable for a once a year race club.
The prestigious Ron Martin Memorial Maiden Hcp will be sponsored again this year by OK Earthmoving and local trainer George Woodward’s Woodie Wonder Racing, with the trophies kindly donated by the Martin family. Prize money for this event is $32,000 which makes it the richest maiden in the region.
The other highlights of the Friday program is the $27,000 Graziers Class 2 Handicap which has been sponsored by 60 local graziers and landholders and the addition of a 1000m Open Lightning sponsored by Stacks Law Firm.
On behalf of the Walcha Jockey I personally thank all our race sponsors. The success of the races is due to the generous sponsorship received from these businesses.
The Lions Club will operate the bar and Rotary again serving the patrons with their delicious steak sandwiches and other culinary delights. Tickets for the members’ area are $30 which includes admission for both days as well as use of the members’ area, apart from the luncheon marquee, on Friday.
The Walcha Races Social Committee has organised a luncheon marquee again in the Members area on the Friday and the $65 prepaid ticket cost also covers entry to the races on both days.
The social highlight of the Friday meeting is Fashion in the Fields and this year Walcha Carrying Company have come on board as the major sponsor for the event. Prizes worth $3000 will be up for grabs.
The Club is pleased to be able to recognise Cathie Brennan’s contribution to the local racing industry and the Walcha Jockey Club by naming the Saturday Race meeting in her honour. The Brennan family and friends have kindly donated $1000 to be received by the leading jockey over the five races on Saturday.
Free entertainment for the Kids’ Fun Day on Saturday will be provided from 12.30pm by the Walcha Races Social committee thanks to the major sponsor Betts Transport.
The attractions include a jumping castle, a giant slide, mini train, face painting, junior Fashions in the Field as well as free lolly bags.
Thank you to the local businesses that have supported the Kids Fun Day.
Without your sponsorship the event could not continue to run. The Kids Fun Day is very much becoming a highlight of the racing carnival with families travelling to Walcha from all over the district for this very fun event and great days racing.
This year the best dressed family will win a $100 cash prize.
Finally I would like to thank the committee for its time and commitment to the club. We look forward to seeing the people of Walcha at the course, and are sure you will all have a fantastic time.
