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By Mark Brassel

The small outback mining town of Lightning Ridge – more than 8½ hours from Sydney – comes to life during Easter time with a huge four-day festival highlighted by Saturday’s race meeting.

The festival kicks off on Good Friday with the Bull and Bronc Ride that includes trick riding before Saturday’s Rickshaw Challenge, opal hunting, egg & spoon race, strength challenge, fireworks display, Aboriginal dancers and live reptile displays.

Lightning Ridge - will be racing on Easter Saturday. Image by Janian McMillan (Racing Photography)

“There’s a stack of activities and entertainment prior to and after our big Easter Saturday race meeting,” said Angus Remond, President of Lightning Ridge Race Club.

“It will be a fantastic day with a Fashions on the Field competitions, kids’ entertainment, full bar facilities and multiple food vendors available in addition to our usual six-race program.

“To complement the activities the Club will be hosting patrons after the day’s racing concludes with live music.

“Our food and bar facilities will remain open until late for patrons to keep the fun of the day going.”

On Friday, Canberra Racing Club will host its third Canberra Southern Cross Club Tuggeranong Cup race meeting.

“Good Friday is a day of real potential for racing in Canberra – we’ve seen significant support for the concept in its few years of existence in regard to attendance and wagering,” said Robbie Ringland, CRC’s Marketing & Sponsorship Manager.

“We introduced the Tuggeranong Cup with the goal of better connecting with the south of Canberra and widening our funnel for members, sponsors, owners and supporters for Canberra racing.

“We’ve made some material connections in 2024, partnering with a number of sporting clubs and businesses from the south, which is a key part of our strategy to build this day into something the Tuggeranong Valley and South Canberra sees as its own and is proud of.”

There will be a Good Friday Seafood Luncheon as well as food and beverages available at the Thoroughbred Cafe, the Winning Post Bar and the Black Opal Room for Members.

Top local trainer Keith Dryden has nominated eight horses for the program including Impending Harmony (TAB Federal, 1400m), Eastern Glow and Trooper Knuckle (Open Handicap, 1300m) and Poker Dice (Tuggeranong Cup, 1600m).

Meanwhile, Back O’Bourke picnic races are on Easter Sunday with some great attractions including a variety of food stalls, a jumping castle for the kids and a Fashions on the Field.

A full bar will be in operation along with TAB and betting facilities, and the Club offers a range of merchandise for sale including stubby holders and mesh trucker caps.

Sarah Barton, the Club’s secretary, said: “The committee looks forward to another successful raceday and is one not to be missed. It is a great family day out.

“Many thanks to our hard-working committee, sponsors, supporters and volunteers – it should be a fantastic day of fun and racing.”

UPCOMING COUNTRY RACE MEETINGS
Monday: Beaumont Track-Newcastle (Wine Country Race Club), Grafton
Tuesday: Taree
Thursday: Wagga
Friday: Canberra
Saturday: Moruya, Murwillumbah, Tocumwal (non-TAB), Lightning Ridge (non-TAB)
Sunday: Nowra, Mudgee, Back O’Bourke picnics (non-TAB)