The Goondiwindi Macintyre Picnic Race Club staged what would have to be one of the Best Country Race Meetings in years.
A sellout crowd of 4,000 packed Gunsynd Park and the big crowd was not disappointed with what they were greeted with. The club has invested heavily in new infrastructure, including a new Marquee that staged the fashion of the field and other sponsors and the new central walkway.
What more could you want at a Country meeting ?Six races with near full fields in each, a magnificent Racing Surface prepare the Goondiwindi Race Club Track Manager, 11 Bookmakers and a magnificent day weather wise. The Racing Queensland team that attended the day must have been impressed at what greeted them as did the owners and trainers of all horses.
The Fashions of the Field was big hit and the winner is now off to Brisbane for the final at Doomben Race Course, as is Officer Jim, the winner of the first leg of the Battle of the Bush Qualifier.
Racegoers took up every vantage point at the full length of the straight line, and marquees were flowing over. Best of all was the excellent behaviour of the large crowd.
Racing commenced with a full field in the Hayes Spraying QTIS Benchmark 55 over 1000 meters, and NSW apprentice Dylan Bennett steered Artie Beatsome to a clear victory for trainer Nathan Evans. Despite missing the start by five lengths, Artie circled the field and gathered the big field to win, coming away. While not in the market, the name’s sake horse had plenty of local support and was too good for Boston City and local hope, Bean Dancing, who was courageous under the big weight of 67kg.
Race two was the Ambrose Haulage Maiden Plate over 1000 meters as well, and another local connection with Artopia was successful for Roma Trainer Craig Smith, who gave Dylon Bennett two wins for the first two races. There was plenty of cheering for some of the locals as Artopia led all the way and held off a very unlucky first starter in Purple Esprit, who blundered the start and is certainly one to follow. Ex-Brisbane galloper Hells Approaching ran third.
Race three was the Smithfield Cattle Company Benchmark 50 over 1200 meters, and there is always an air of confidence when local champ Fitzroy Boy steps on the track, and Saturday was no exception. Once again, he gave backers an incredible sight until Craig Smith saluted Lip Sip Suk and gave Bubba Tilley the first of his three winners for the day. Another great supporter at Goondiwindi is the Geran Racing team, and Gertie Goer, who had won twice on the track previously, just failed to get the winner, and Fitzroy Boy was an honest third.
Officer Jim and Les Tilley stride it out in front of Dollop & Fire King on his way to the Battle of the Bush Final in Brisbane. Photo Courtesy Three Way Photos.
Race Four was the B & W Rural Benchmark 50-second division over the 1200 meters. Pat Webster rarely comes to Goondiwindi without a winner, and Koondeeman made light work of the opposition here. Once again, Tilley took him straight to the lead, and he was just too good for Richunclemoneybags and Mishani Pharoah.
Race five was the Feature race, The Battle of the Bush Qualifier for the Kenway & Clark Goondiwindi Picnic Cup and the Pat Webster show continued as Officer Jim, a weighted certainty, gave nothing else a chance. Regular rider Bubba Tilley went straight to the front and runners up, Dollop & Fire King chased hard but were no match under the Plate conditions. The final being a handicap may be a different story, but Old Jim was very impressive in the race and was just too strong.
And so, to the last, and punters got it right again when Pat Webster made it the last three, but this time with the stablemate of the favourite. Mister Omega began like a shot out of a gun, and after as much as $7 was bet, Mister Omega landed some good bets and just held off Substitution and Rangi Toa in third.
Punters the cottoned onto the movements of Les Tilley when a chopper landed and took him back to Toowoomba where he rode another winner. Four for the day.
The night continued until late, and the crowd enjoyed the entertainment provided.
So, it is all roads to Goondiwindi for the next meeting on June 1, the Inglewood Cup. See you back in Goondi for Racing at its Best in the West.
Goondiwindi Race Club
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