Despite Wednesday’s inspection of the Toompang Racecourse confirming the worst for the Burrangong Picnic Race Club, the committee were quick to think up a Plan B to ensure those in attendance don’t miss out on their race-day thrills.
Sheep races. This is what racegoers can expect to see when they attend Saturday’s picnic races at the Temora Road track.
President Tom Wills said it seemed the most appropriate alternate to the situation, as postponing the event wasn’t an option.
“The last thing we want is for any horse or jockey to get hurt, and the way the weather’s going there’s no assurance we’d get a meeting in if we were to postpone it,” he said. “So we thought, we’ve put this much work into getting everything organise for this weekend that we’d keep going, and it’s going to be a beautiful weekend so hopefully having no horses won’t deter anyone.”
Sheep races are the brain child of committee member, Anthony Murphy, who believed it to be a good way to keep the crowd entertained throughout the day.
“Picnic races always have been more so about getting communities together and having a day out with friends and family, so even though sadly there are no horses, it will be a great day for everyone to get together and have a day out,” Tom said.
“That’s why the picnics get such a good following, because it’s such a good social time.”
The day will also feature the golf ball drop with a prize of $5000, Fashions on the Field, music all day, and activities for the kids. Inter-state races will be streamed from the bookies area, and the TAB will be available for anyone wishing to have a bet.
Racegoers are given the option to bring their own picnic lunches or be catered for by the Lions Club who will be cooking up a storm. Strictly no BYO alcohol.
Tickets will be available at the gate at $20 with Under 18s free, or members tickets can be purchased prior to the day from the Little Cherry Tree in Boorowa Street.
Buses will run throughout the day from the Aussie Hotel. The first will depart at 11.45am.
Fields:
Each race is named after a local charity and 50 per cent of sweepstakes money from each race goes to that charity.
Race 1 – Gerrard & Partners Meals On Wheels Class B Handicap.
Race 2 – South West Fuel Skye Blue Appeal Open Trophy.
Race 3 – Young Witness Young Crisis Accommodation Centre Maiden Plate.
Race 4 – Delta Agribusiness Georgina Josephine Foundation Burrangong Picnic Cup
Race 5 – McAlister Motors Mercy Care Centre Open Handicap
Race 6 – Donges Supa IGA Hayley Anderson Appeal Class B Hcp
