The Goondiwind Christmas Races dazzled under the warm sun, with an estimated crowd of 2000 eager spectators—an attendance figure not witnessed since the legendary days of Gunsynd in 1973. ( not including the picnic races) The racecourse, resplendent after recent rainfall, showcased the enduring appeal of a well-maintained turf track.
As the thunder of hooves thundered across the course, attendees reveled in a day of heart-pounding excitement with five races featuring nearly full fields. The event marked a milestone for the race club, whose sponsors have already committed for the upcoming year, attesting to the resounding success of this festive gathering.
Local talents Peter and Nikki serenaded the crowd with music through the day, creating an atmosphere of jubilation. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the entertainment continued with Goondiwindi’s pride, Will Day, and his band taking center stage, ensuring the festivities continued long into the night.
The Christmas spirit was notable with the event seamlessly blending the thrill of racing with the joy of the season. This year, the Christmas party bookings were nothing short of spectacular, reaching a record 1000 pre-paid attendees who are already eagerly anticipating the festivities for the following year.
While celebrating the success, the race club looks forward to bolstering its ranks and invites new committee members to join in the behind-the-scenes magic of race day setup. Emphasizing a commitment to avoiding bureaucratic entanglements, the club seeks passionate individuals whose enthusiasm will contribute to the ongoing strength of the club.
In the wake of this triumphant event, the Goondiwind Christmas Races have solidified their place as a cherished local tradition, a perfect fusion of thrilling racing, lively entertainment, and the joyous spirit of Christmas.
Race News
The 2023 year concluded with a record day at Gunsynd Park on Saturday. The Port of Brisbane Cup Cup was once again the highlight and gave the very strong Geran Racing team a two-town double after previously winning the Final of the Country Stampede with Mahbaby at Doomben in Brisbane.
The day was a special occasion for General Manger Peter Keyte who is retiring this year. The Bush to Port concept was the brain child of Peter about 13 years ago and after missing 2 with Covid & Rain, Saturday was the eleventh running of the prestigious race.
Neil Stephens CEO Port of Brisbane with connections Dreamseeker, Jockey Michael Mc Donald & Club President Don Madden .
The Bush to Port Day has become somewhat of a tradition attracting visitors from near and far to the weekend of events. A number made the journey for the Friday night Golf Club Family fun night, which was another enormous success and then went onto the markets on Saturday morning and made their way to the races. Christmas parties have become a popular thing at this meeting and it is sure to be the case next year on December 7 when it all happens again.
The recent rains made conditions perfect and the rural theme has never been more prevalent than this year and all sponsors are heavily engaged in the rural supply chain.
The honours where evenly shared with each race going to a different jockey and trainer.
Racing commenced with Interlink/Seaway Benchmark 60 over 1200 metres and it was the old timer, Doctor Teekaywho gave them a start and a galloping lesson ridden by Brisbane based apprentice Corey Sutherland and trained by a great supporter of Gunsynd Park in Mark Currie
The connections snapped up the $9 on offer early when backed in to start $6 and Rowdash & Lip Sip Suk held on for the minors.
The Wagner’s Maiden Handicap was a strongly contested affair with two first starters the result of big plunges. Freyas Magic & Swiss Grand where both heavily backed but the plunges came undone when the very consistent Torrential made the journey from Kumbia and gave trainer Jason Livingstone his first win at Gunsynd Park for nearly 20 years. Unlucky Cerrard was second while Cyptess was third.
Dreamseeker takes the Cup from Charged & Fitzroy Boy (Photo Courtesy Three Way Photos)
Graincorp are another of the long-term sponsors and it was one of the emergencies in Valar Dohaeris fromJandowae that took out the Benchmark 45. The winner was just too strong for favourite Heros Trinket who tried to lead all the way but found the weights bit too much. Glencoe Pearl.
The Qube Ports Band 0 – 50 was the first of the 1400 metre races and the Lindsay Hatch Trained Await the Storm gave nothing else a chance after leading all the way. My Girl Sky and Phoebes Spirit tried hard but the winner was just too strong.
The final event was the Bush to Port Cup and after a few scratching’s, the ever-consistent Geran Stable produced Dreamseeker in great order and gave Gold Coast jockey Michael McDonald the victory after a rails hugging ride. Charged nearly saluted and just went down by a head form the honest Fitzroy Boy who tried to lead all the way but found the 1400 just a stride too far.
The day was an enormous success for the Goondiwindi Race Club and certainly turned on another good day for patrons. The facilities at Gunsynd Park are now second to none other in Country Queensland. The music continued with Will Day for a short time after the last and all had a very enjoyable day at the Races. Groups are quickly learning that this is a great venue to stage an annual Christmas Party and re peat bookings are already flowing in for next year.
Next meeting will be on Saturday February 24.
The date next year is Saturday November 30 for Bush to Port Race Day.
Graeme Scheu
