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By Mark Brassel

It’s been a three-year hibernation but the small town of Gulargambone, population 400, is set to awaken from its slumber this Saturday.

Located in the Central West plains of NSW on the banks of the Castlereagh River, 485 km North West of Sydney, Gulargambone has done it tough in recent years.

Not long after drought struck Gulargambone and the surrounding region, the race club was forced to cancel its 2020 and 2021 race meetings due to COVID.

Gulargambone races will be returning with a bang this Saturday. Image by Janian McMillan (Racing Photography)

“Everyone’s back on deck pitching in and we’re looking at one of our biggest race meetings ever,” said Bek McKay, Gulargambone Jockey Club’s secretary/manager.

“The weekend kicks off on Friday at 8pm with the popular Cup Calcutta at Gulargambone Bowling Club.

“Then on to Saturday’s races and the vibe is fantastic up here – we want patrons to enjoy real country hospitality at its best!

“We’ll have the saltbush lamb food van available all day and the Presidents Welcome Lunch is on for early birds.

“There is a lucky gate prize sponsored by Reliance Bank along with a Fashions on the Field contest offering plenty of prizes for the best dressed male and female, including a junior section for the under 12s.

“And a raffle will be run with full bar facilities and betting options on-course.

“One of our main sponsors the Armatree Hotel will be running a bus from the pub to the racecourse and back again.”

Tickets are $20 and include return coach trip, access to the pub’s marquee, complimentary food and drinks, however, entrance tickets to the races must be purchased at the gate.

“Our major sponsor is Halcroft and Bennett, along with Inland petroleum, AJF Brien and Son, Threeford Garden Management, Gilgandra Toyota and AMPS.

“We also must thank Gulargambone Bowling Club and Paul Job Insurance – all our local businesses have been fantastic.”

The feature event on the six-race card is the Gulargambone Cup (1200m) with Zoutenant (Michael Heagney) winning the last edition in 2019.

In a deceptive finish, Medal Afrique and Wendy Peel took out the Cup the previous year narrowly defeating Zoutenant (Daniel Pitomac).

Also on Saturday, Bingara, around 315km to the North East of Gulargambone, will also bouncing back from COVID having also missed their annual Cup meeting last year.

And on Friday will be the running of the $35,000 Don Hopkins/Ivan Livermore Cup (1400m) at Manning Valley Race Club’s Bushland Racecourse at Taree.

Kempsey trainer Rocky Simonetta snared last year’s Cup with Prima Stella partnered by Jon Grisedale.

UPCOMING NSW COUNTRY RACE MEETINGS
Monday: Bathurst, Lismore
Tuesday: Scone
Thursday: Wagga
Friday: Taree
Saturday: Port Macquarie, Gulargambone (non-TAB), Bingara (non-TAB)
Sunday: Mudgee