Racing returned to Gunsynd Park on Saturday when the Goondiwindi Race Club staged the 2022 Bush to Port Cup. Unfortunately, the Cup itself was marred with a barrier malfunction and declared a no Race. All bets were refunded, and trainers are compensated under the Racing Queensland policy of a cancelled or washed-out race.
The Club also proudly held the first meeting called from the new Race Callers tower, fully funded by Racing Queensland and the Qld Government. The tower worked superbly and added to the feature of the day. Sam Dalziel, head of CRP Racing Queensland, attended and received only good comments from all concerned.
The Bush to Port Day has become 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, went to 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 2 when it all happens again. The rural theme has never been more prevalent than this year, and all sponsors are heavily engaged in the rural supply chain.
Racing commenced with Interlink/Seaway Benchmark 55 over 1200 metres, and newcomer to the district, Galactus ridden by Emily Lang and trained by Pat Webster, who had just had success at the Country finals in Brisbane won convincingly in the end. Local connections got a thrill when Rogue Star held on for second, with favourite White Chocolate disappointing in third place. Local trainer Barry Sheppard produced his first starter in Pretty Penny in the Wagner’s Maiden Handicap and, under vigorous riding under Jodie Worley, got the mare home after being headed. Pretty Penny won by a nose, with Shezanuisance in second place.
Kylie Geran seldom comes to Gunsynd Park without a winner, and Gidget kept that record true in the Graincorp Class B over 1000 metres. Gidget gave Emily Lang the second leg of a winning double when she was too strong for the well-travelled Smart & Sassy, with Rodian Bull back in third place. Warren Munro from Warwick brought what was to be the last winner Mandalong Nero and gave apprentice Amy Graham her first winner for the day. Mandalong Nero was too strong for Amisfield, and Corsucan was back in third place. As mentioned, the Bush to Port Cup was declared a no-race after Avoca finished first past the post.
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 for a short time after the last, and all had a very enjoyable day at the Races.
The next meeting will be on Saturday, February 25 followed by the re-run of the cancelled Kleinschmidt Goondiwindi Cup on April 29. This will surely be another monster day as the club celebrates 50 years since Gunsynd’s last start in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes in 1973. How time flies.
