136th running of the iconic Carrathool Cup outback race meeting
Carrathool mounts up for another big race day
THE Carrathool Races is a great day on the social calendar for people of all ages. This year there is an emphasis on bringing more families through the gate with targeted entertainment for all to enjoy.
PREPARATIONS are well in hand for this Saturday's running of the prestigious Carrathool Cup.
Hosted annually for the last 135 years by the Carrathool Jockey Club, the renowned race day explodes the population of the village and gives a huge kick along to the economy.
Club president Scott Dixon was hoping for a turnout of 1400 on March 2, but acknowledged the weather usually has the final say on the gate figure.
“That would be up on last year by a couple of hundred,” Dixon said. “You’ve just got to get through the warm hours and then you’ll be right for the night.”
Stewards inspected the track Saturday week ago and gave it the thumbs up, with Dixon declaring it “in very good order”.
“We were fortunate to get 40mm of rain a fortnight ago which put the track in very good state,” he said.
“The grounds are fairly dry but we have put in some new jockeys amenities and there’ll be more marquees. We’ll just try and fill on some of the space around it, change the general layout.”
There will be more musical entertainment between races this year, with Wagga’s Wobbly Boot the headline act to play into the evening from the last race to about 8pm when the bar closes.
The six-race program has total prize money of $65,000, with the Rivcott Carrathool Cup the second-last for the day.
“The main race, the prize money has increased from $14,000 to $20,000,” Dixon said. “We have had inquiries from more trainers, so we are anticipating more horses attending and that will create more competition, which will be great.”
Everyone will be catered for with a continuous barbecue courtesy of Yenda Rotary and the Bellissimo food van, and licensed bars. Breakfast will also be available Sunday morning. There are no EFTPOS facilities on course.
Spring fashion criteria will be used to judge fashions on the field, with a prize pool of $9000. Judging will take place about 2pm for best-dressed gentleman, Belle of the Boughshed (25 years and under), Lady of the Day and best-dressed couple.
There are two new categories for the kids - Jack of the Track and Little Lady of the Day.
"We want to make the day more of a family affair,” Dixon said.
“There will also be a kids waterslide.”
Travel on the bus?
MIA Coaches will be providing a bus service for those wanting to attend the races and leave the car at home.
The bus will leave Griffith at 12.30pm, travelling via Darlington Point at 1pm. There will also be a bus from Hay at noon, returning at 6.30pm
Seats can be booked with the bus company on 6964 1240.
Gates open at 11am with entry $20 per person. The bar is open from 11am to 8pm and will operate on a ticketing system.
Dash, sprint to the line
The Jillaroos Sprint and Jackaroos Dash are hotly contested foot races through the dirt and dust of the race track.
The racing leaves participants exhilarated and the cheer squads hoarse with delight.
There are also great prizes to be won
The sprint and dash will be held at the end of the day, after race six.