The Goondiwindi Macintyre Picnic Race Club staged probably one of the most successful Picnic meetings for a long time on Saturday at Gunsynd Park. And it now opens the door for the Goondiwindi Cup and Gunsynd 50-year celebrations on April 28 & 29. This back to Goondi weekend coincides with the Goondiwindi Show and organizers are hoping that supporters will come back to Goondiwindi for the memorable weekend and support both events.
A sell-out crowd of 2800 packed Gunsynd Park and the big crowd were not disappointed with what they were greeted with. The club has invested heavily in new infrastructure with a new saddling enclosure, callers tower and outside running rail while the new pump system into the sewerage saw the toilets handle the capacity of the large crowd for the first time in history.
Racegoers took up every vantage point the entire length of the straight, and marquees were flowing over. Best of all was the incredibly good behaviour of the large crowd.
Unfortunately, the day was not without incident when race two was declared a No Race after the field was dispatch less one runner.
Racing commenced with a full field in the Doyle Wilson QTIS Benchmark 55 over 1000 meters and regular winning hoop, Jodie Worley steered Yamumza to a clear victory for trainer Matt Kropp at $4.40. Whistlin Ruler set a mean pace for a long way and Phionaix held on for a gallant third but Yamumza was too good and will certainly win more races.
Race three was the Ambrose Haulage 0 – 60 Handicap and this time Pat Webster and Emily Lang combined with short price favourite Miss Cinnamoncider just to hold out the fast finishing The Defiant One with Run Rampant a good way back in third.
Moscini and Nathan Fazackerley stride past Fitzroy Boy on their way to the Battle of the Bush Final in Brisbane. Photo Courtesy Three Way Photos.
Race four was the Feature race, The Battle of the Bush Qualifier for the Kenway & Clark, Brown & Hurley Goondiwindi Picnic Cup. The large crowd arrived on course to see the local hero Fitzroy Boy take out the Cup and for about 1150 of the 1200-meter race, it looked like e would do just that, but old stager Moscini under the Plate conditions of the race was just too strong. Moscini Trained by Dale Groves and ridden by Nathan Fazackerley was too good for Fitzroy Boy who was gallant in defeat with Oakfield Target back in third place.
And so, to the last and punters were determined to flatten the bookies and sent Tomboys Spirit out a very short-priced favourite but despite a huge betting drift $2.50 to $5, the Geran trained Bartalumba returned to winning form to rope in the favourite with Lynched obviously looking for further finishing on strongly for third.
The night continued until late, and the crowd enjoyed the entertainment provided.
So now it is onto some real history as the town celebrates what has to be the greatest racehorse story of all time – The Goondiwindi Grey. Tickets for the Friday night Dinner where legendary Race Caller John Tapp will be the special guest, can be purchased online at www.trybooking.com/cgmlv but you will need to be quick as there are only 30 tickets left.
Then on Saturday, the washed-out Vern Kleinschmidt Community Trust Goondiwindi Cup will be run and won at Gunsynd Park. Tickets for the races can also be purchased online www.trybooking.com/cgkys and track-side packages and catering can be booked through Maurie Hayes 0428 987522 or Mary Jane Thompson on 0427 299080.
And of course, the entertainment does not stop there either with the Goondiwindi Show staging a massive night time entertainment extravaganza. Tickets for the Show can be booked online at www.goondiwindishow.com.au
So, it is all roads to Goondiwindi for the last weekend in April. See you in Goondi for Racing at its Best in the West.
