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!
Judging the Fashions on the Field this year is Dr Jane Kaczmarek.
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.
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,
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
NSW Nationals Candidate for Orange Tony Mileto, NSW Nationals Upper House MP Sam Farraway and Parkes Jockey Club Vice President Alex Proud at the announcement of $37,000 funding to upgrade the judges towers at the Parkes Racecourse.
Some fantastic, welcomed news for Parkes Jockey Club. NSW Nationals Upper House MP Sam Farraway today announced over $37,000 has been awarded to the Parkes Jockey Club to upgrade and maintain the Judges Towers at the Parkes Racecourse.
Mr Farraway said the funding, which was secured under the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund, would not only ensure the towers are up to safety standards but will also improve the race day experience for the community.
“The $37,460 awarded in this grant will ensure that the Parkes Jockey Club has the means to upgrade their facilities so that they are safe and modern.
“This funding will be a welcome boost for the club as they move forward after being impacted by the floods in November.”
Minister for Lands and Water Kevin Anderson said it was important that the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government continue to provide funding to support upgrades to show grounds and facilities in local towns.
“Crown reserves provide land for sport and recreation, homes for community organisations, open space for healthy lifestyles, and protect our environment including sensitive habitat for native plants and animals,” Mr Anderson said.
HARNESSING SUPPORT…Pictured here is Michael Dumesny on the right and Fellow Team Flood Relief member Jack Trainor on the left.
Have you heard of “Team Flood Relief?” It is a fundraising initiative designed to help the flood affected community of Eugowra, and is being driven home by well known Parkes local and racing industry identity, Michael Dumesny.
Born and raised in Parkes, Michael started coaching rugby league in Eugowra after spending time in the town where his partner and two young daughters resided. “I ended up coaching and being on the committee for four years and absolutely loved the place, loved the people and made many good friends,” said Michael.
The horrific flash flood that hit Eugowra on 14th November took two lives, and 150 Eugowra residents had to be airlifted to safety. Michael said: “My little girls still live out there and although they were not involved in the floods physically, they basically lost everything in their lives when that little town flooded.”
“I also saw a lot of heartache from some of my very good friends. After being out there on and off for the few weeks after the major wave hit, I knew I had to help in some way.”
It all started when Michael and his good friend and fellow Parkes Harness Racing trainer/driver Brett Hutchings were throwing around a few ideas of ways to make some money through racing. One thing led to another and Team Flood Relief was formed.
Brett Hutchings has pledged a part of his driving fee and winning driving percentage right up until New Years Eve at Parkes towards the current flood situation in Eugowra and Forbes.
Michael posted the concept of Team Flood Relief and Brett’s pledge through his social media channels and it instantly received well over 100 shares. Before he knew it, people were phoning and messaging him wanting to be involved. Within four days the numbers had ballooned and there well over 60 people involved in the fundraising effort.
Team Flood Relief is made up of some of the biggest names in the racing industry across Harness Racing, Thoroughbred Racing and Greyhound Racing.
Michael considers anyone who has contributed in any way to be part of the team. He was unwilling to name the big racing identities that have supported Team Flood Relief, and appreciates each and every person who has assisted the cause, regardless of the size of their contribution.
“We will be raising money in any way we can. Whether that be through drivers, trainers and owners winning races and donating part of their winnings or through silks that have been sponsored and specially made and sponsored. Direct donations from people have been humbling and unreal,” explained Michael.
Racing is in Michael’s blood, and he has been around the industry since birth. “Our family owned ‘Ruby Vale’ stud at Alectown and most of my weekends growing up consisted of being around the horses.”
In Michael’s later years he moved to the media side of things, writing stories, working on radio and eventually ending up a race broadcaster. As far back as he can remember, racing has been an important part of his life.
We asked Michael what his message for the Eugowra community would be? Michael went on to say, “I guess my main message is that we are just hoping everyone is coping as well as they can both physically and mentally in these tough times. We have got their backs one hundred percent and will work our backsides off to make as much money as we can for that beautiful community. If we can put a small ray of light into their days that is all we are trying to achieve.”
The Zone 11 Pony Club team are (L-R) Tess Worland, Jemma Hodder, Freya Hooper, Jorja Rusten and Jake Tomlinson.
Four Forbes Pony Club riders and one from Trundle travelled to Warialda last weekend for the Pony Club NSW State Showjumping Championships where they achieved some good results.
Riders Freya Hooper, Tess Worland, Jemma Hodder and Jake Tomlinson joined Jorja Rusten from the Trundle Pony Club to make up the Zone 11 Pony Club Team.
Under the care of Team Manager Nicky Rusten, who did a great job keeping the team in order, they competed against riders from all over NSW and even a Queensland contingent.
All four Forbes riders entered the championships for the first time. Instructor Laurie Norris said it was a great experience for the team.
“Competing at State is a wonderful experience for our members,” said Laurie. “Each of the riders had success and learnt a few lessons as well. This will only help their riding into their next competition.”
Forbes Pony Club president Gary Tomlinson celebrated the success of the club’s riders. “I am so pleased to report that Tess Worland ran 3rd in under 15 B Grade, Freya Hooper 3rd in Under 17 C Grade, Jake Tomlinson 4th in under 15 A Grade and Jemma Hodder – in a very large class of riders- 12th in under 15 C Grade.”
Jorja competed in the 15 – u17 age group jumping A grade. After four rounds she collected a 5th, 6th and two 8th positions to place her 7th in the state.
“We are so very proud of their efforts and their sportsmanship in cheering on each other and the success of other riders. All of the horses stood up well to the competition too, jumping up to seven rounds over the course of the weekend.”
Forbes Pony Club is always on the lookout for new members, and those interested should contact the club secretary on forbesponyclub@gmail.com
By Nina Hooper