Equestrian Archives - Parkes Phoenix

Local Owners Celebrate Coradgery Cup Win

June 12, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Those who attended the 2025 Picnic Races on Saturday 7 June were thrilled to see local trainer Sharon Jeffries win the Parkes Services Club Coradgery Cup with Way To Devine who was ridden by Cowra Jockey Matthew Cahill.

Colin Hodges reported on the Parkes Coradgery Cup meeting “Critically injured in a race fall at Tomingley in 2019, jockey Michael Hackett has not ridden since but maintains an interest in racing as the part owner of Way To Divine. Hackett, who rode nearly 300 winners, is now a committee member on Parkes Jockey Club and shares ownership of Way To Divine with local trainer Sharon Jeffries and her husband former jockey Dale Jeffries and for the big crowd it was a popular win.

Settling near last in the 1,400 metres feature race, the strongly supported Way To Divine ($3.10 to $2.80 favourite) was sent forward from the 500 metres point by top jockey Mathew Cahill and down the straight wore down Geostorm (Clayton Gallagher, $3.50) to win by over 2 lengths with Loud (Kody Nestor, $8) over 4 lengths away in third place.”

Shout out to the Parkes Picnic Races 2025 Committee for organising such a great event: President Tim Keith, Vice Presidents Ann Olson and Ian Brown, Secretary Tricia Trim, Treasurer Robyn Hawke, and Executive Members Christine Somers, Stafford Orange, Mark Olson, Kelly Spedding, Kathryn Blackstock, Fiona Glasheen, Sommer Bishop, Elissa Amor, Gai Smith, Tiffany Steel and Ian Brown.

Parkes Jockey Club To Stage A Rich Maiden Race

May 15, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Image by Janian McMillan (Racing Photography)

Parkes Jockey Club will stage a super-rich Maiden race on their Cup Day that could be worth over $116,000 to winning connections. The Country Boosted Maiden Handicap (1000m) at Parkes on Sunday 18 May is an Inglis Xtra Bonus Series race, incentivised with a $100,000 bonus to the winner.

Winning connections of designated Maidens receive the $100K bonus should the horse be an Inglis graduate from 2023 and beyond and paid up for the Inglis Race Series. Inglis Bloodstock’s CEO, Sebastian Hutch was keen to see the bonuses being won by as many sets of connections as possible.

“Through the Inglis Race Series, we wanted to create an opportunity for more people to win more prize money more often and the Xtra Bonus Series allows for exactly that,” Hutch said.

“The hardest race for a horse to win is their Maiden, so we wanted to give every buyer and owner of an Inglis graduate the opportunity to win extraordinary prize money at the entry level of racing.

“There is effectively one Maiden a week on average, at different venues – around half of which were in NSW – over different distances ranging from 900m to 2000m giving many of our clients regular chances to win significant money.”

“It’s a day filled with excitement for all ages, with activities like a jumping castle and a bucking bull. Our major sponsor is the Tomingley Gold Operations-Alkane Resources and year after year their sponsorship provides critical funding that enables the event to continue and flourish.”

Gates open at 11:30am. Entry is $10 for adults, kids allowed in free. A bar, canteen, bookmakers and a TAB will be on-site.

2024 Forbes Spring Races

October 10, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Spring is a great time to go racing and Forbes Jockey Club has a host of entertainment planned for this Saturday, 12th October at the TAB race meeting.

Local racing has certainly been a part of many conversations over the past week following the win by rank outsider Sneak Preview in the $150,000 Dubbo Gold Cup.

The veteran galloper trained at Dubbo by Peter Nestor and ridden by his nephew Kody Nestor, is part owned by Peter Maher and Matt Coady from Forbes.

Sneak Preview was backed by numerous supporters at odds of $100 and celebrations will likely continue on Saturday at Forbes Spring races.

Leading trainers from a wide area are bringing starters to Forbes and the action on the track will be backed up by other highlights including the Fashions In The Field offering big prizes for several categories.

There is entertainment planned for all the family and the Yabby races with an auction for the chance to have a starter will be a lot of fun.

Gates will open at 11.30am and music throughout the afternoon will add to a great day out at Forbes races.

Be Seen @ Forbes Pony Club

August 1, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Thank you to everyone who attended for an action packed day full of horses, friends and lots of smiles.

Thank you to the amazing judges who volunteered your time this, and your feedback on how lovely the riders were.

To all the members that volunteered over the weekend, cooking , setting up, canteen, judging, big THANK YOU!

Get Your Glad Rags On For The Parkes And Diggers Coradgery Picnic Races

May 31, 2024 By Roxane Manley

The June long weekend becomes the social highlight of the year with the Parkes Picnic Races. Loads of entertainment, a great day of racing, live music and Fashions on the Field. The racecourse provides full bar and betting, along with catering services available on the course throughout the day. Patrons are also welcome to bring along a hamper for a picnic on the grass.

The Picnic Races committee is excited to have Dr Jane Kaczmarek as judge for the Fashions on the Field this year. Dr Jane will be judging: Elegant Lady, Stylish Man, Best Dressed Couple, Millinery. There are some fabulous prizes that have been donated for the fashions this Year.

Dr Jane Kaczmarek, has recently returned to the CSIRO Parkes Observatory after three years at the Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory in British Columbia, Canada.

Jane’s academic journey began with an undergraduate degree in astrophysics and physics from the University of WisconsinMadison in 2010, followed by a PhD in physics from the University of Sydney in 2017, focusing on magnetic fields in distant galaxies. Her dedication to radio telescopes and cutting-edge science has been a constant throughout her career, leading her back to Parkes Observatory in 2023 as the Senior Systems Scientist.

Jane brings her keen eye for detail to the fashion arena as a judge for the 2024 Parkes Picnic Races. Her scientific precision and creative flair promises to add a new dimension to the competition. You can also decorate your tent for a chance to win the best dressed tent prize.

Gates open 11:30am on Saturday June 8. Tickets are $20 per person via 123TIX or pay at the gates $25 with kids under 16 free.

CEO Announcement On HRNSW Rehoming

November 2, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Pictured is Peter Buckman CEO, Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW)

Dear Stakeholders,

I am pleased to announce a significant development that reflects our ongoing commitment to equine welfare and the preservation of our social license at Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW).

In close collaboration with the Harness Racing Industry Consultation Group (HRICG), we have successfully completed the integration of our re homing operations. The decision and subsequent integration enables HRNSW to directly oversee the re homing effort and ensure that we consistently uphold the highest standards of equine welfare. This strategic shift underscores HRNSW’s steadfast dedication to the wellbeing of our equine athletes and our responsibility to the industry and the broader community. We firmly believe that by taking direct control of the re homing process, we can provide our retired standardbred horses with the care and attention that is expected.

It is of the utmost importance that HRNSW maintain high standards in equine welfare while continuing to lead the industry in a responsible and forward-thinking manner. HRNSW remains committed to ensuring the welfare of all standardbred horses and we are confident that this strategic move will further strengthen our capacity to uphold these vital responsibilities and ensure the well-being of our equine partners.

Finally, I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to the previous Re homing Company members for their unwavering commitment in supporting the re homing of standardbred horses.

Should you have any questions or require additional information, please feel free to reach out to our team.

Sincerely,

Pony Club

August 31, 2023 By Roxane Manley

The West Wyalong Pony Club invite all riders to attend the Phillip Judd Memorial Showjumping Day and the Zone 11 Combined Training Day. For more information please check go to https://pca.justgo.com/workbench/public/events.

2023 Parkes Picnic Races Have Been Run And Won

June 16, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Best Dressed Gentleman Robert Bailey.

The President of the Parkes Coradgery and Diggers Picnic Race Club Committee, Tim Keith, declared it was the best weather seen in years. The grounds were in splendid condition, and racegoers had an enjoyable day socialising, entertaining, and watching the races.

The Coradgery Cup sponsored by Parkes Services Club was won by Cartography, trained by Greg Stephens with jockey Nick Heywood holding the reigns.

This year, Chloe Wilson and Shannon Hindle judged the widely anticipated Fashions on The Field. Colts and fillies lined up on the stage to the cheers of the crowd.

Winners for 2023 were: Millinery was won by Alexis Hay, best dressed man was won by Robert Barby, the most stylish couple were Mia and Will Christenson and the elegant lady was won by Anna Barwick.

Foxy Cleopatra rocked the enthusiastic crowd, with many racegoers showing off their dancing style.

The races throughout the day were enjoyed by all racegoers and punters. The Railway Hotel Maiden Plate was won by Shotgun Sophie trained by Sharon Jeffries ridden by A Banks. The Agriwest Maiden Handicap was won by Writtenbyalady with jockey J Barrett, trained by Brett Robb. The McPhersons Parts and Services Handicap, was won by Sestina, ridden by A Gangotens, trained by Doug Gorrel. The final race of the day Telescope Tyres Handicap, was won by Levitcon, trained by Natalie Pearce, with jockey W Peel.

The Parkes Coradgery and Diggers Picnic Race Club Committee would like to thank all racegoers, and in particular the sponsors who generously contributed to make the day a huge success.

Don’t Miss The Social Event Of The Year

June 9, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Who will win the coveted Coradgery Cup in 2023? Pictured is last years winner Neon Moon with jockey Tony Cavallo. Inset: Local band Foxxy Cleopatra will once again be entertaining the crowds this Saturday.

It is once again that time of year, and all the elements are coming together for the premier event of the Parkes social calendar. The Parkes Coradgery and Diggers Picnic Races will be held this Saturday 10th June. So, dust off your fascinators and race gear and be sure to get involved in this great local event.

Fashions on the Field is one of the highlights of the day offering an array of prizes and prestige to the glamourous colts and fillies. The Fashions on the Field categories this year will once again include: Elegant Lady, Stylish Man, Millinery and Best Dressed couple.

The spectator area is looking great and the track is in top notch condition for the day’s five-race program. The renovated grandstand and covered bookies rink complete the excellent facilities for punters and a relaxed environment offers something for everyone, making this venue one of the best in the Central West.

The June long weekend has long since become a ‘back to Parkes’ weekend, with many residents opening their homes to friends and relatives who return to Parkes to celebrate for the weekend.

The event attracts visitors from all over the state, as well as from interstate.

There will be food on offer from the Quota ladies, who are back in the saddle driving the canteen in the newly renovated grandstand space. There will also be full bar facilities on course.

Several commercial and private marquees will be providing food and alcohol, so gather your friends and join a group for an afternoon of fun and entertainment.

Much loved local band, Foxxy Cleopatra, has been invited to perform on the day to provide entertainment for all to enjoy.

Organise a group and head along for a great day out. Gates open at 11.30am and entry is $20 for adults, under 16 years are free. Get your tickets before the event from123tix or at the gate on the day.

Get Ready To Picnic With Style

May 26, 2023 By Roxane Manley

The popular Fashions on the Field always attracts entries from far and wide. The winners from 2022 were (L-R) Baeden Wakefield (Stylish Man), Ashleigh Smith (Elegant Lady), Deb Parish (Millinery), Carmen and Ian Hatherly (Best Dressed Couple).

It is once again that time of year, and all the elements are coming together for the premier event of the Parkes social calendar. The Parkes Coradgery and Diggers Picnic Races will be held on Saturday 10th June. So, dust off your fascinators and race gear and be sure to get involved in this great local event.

The June long weekend has long since become a ‘back to Parkes’ weekend, with many residents opening their homes to friends and relatives who return to Parkes to celebrate for the weekend.

The event attracts visitors from all over the state, as well as from interstate.

There will be food on offer from the Quota ladies, who are back in the saddle driving the canteen in the newly renovated grandstand space. There will also be full bar facilities on course.

Several commercial and private marquees will be providing food and alcohol, so gather your friends and join a group for an afternoon of fun and entertainment.

Much loved local band, Foxxy Cleopatra, has been invited to perform on the day to provide entertainment for all to enjoy.

Organise your friends, family or co-workers and head along for a great day out. Gates open at 11.30am and entry is $20 for adults, under 16 years are free. Get your tickets early from123tix.

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