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By Mark Brassel

Saturday’s Duck Creek picnic races are without a doubt one of the Western Plains social events of the year at Nyngan Racecourse.

And the raceday in the NSW outback is never complete without trusty mascot Plucka Duck who arrives in various forms of transport including an ambulance and a Police paddy wagon.

“Come and enjoy a day of country racing at its best at Duck Creek Picnic Race Club,” said the club’s Sarah Day.

Plucka Duck gets in on the act during the Fashions on the Field at Duck Creek. Image by Janian McMillan (Racing Photography)

“Our Club strives to maintain the family orientated atmosphere of the day which is very long-standing tradition.

“Over the years we have had very generous support from our many sponsors which has helped greatly in attracting strong fields and we appreciate their support.

“The Club provides a range of entertainment including TAB and bookmakers on course for all meetings and we also have a full bar with plenty of food available.

“And we’re beyond excited to finally bring Furnace and the Fundamentals to Nyngan for the day.”

The band is billed as musical chameleons with a sense of humour, tight, energetic, and engaging.

There will also be the LawLab Fashions on the Field with plenty of raceday ticket options including ‘Party Duck’ that comes at $50 for entry and the after-races concert.

The ‘Duck Pond Luncheon’ ticket is $140 and includes raceday entry, the concert, beer & wine and lunch from midday until 5pm.

Entry to the races is $20 with kids under 16 free when accompanied by an adult.

Camping is free but campers must have a Party Duck or Duck Pond ticket to enter the car park.

Meanwhile, 400km north east of Nyngan is Mungindi which sits smack-bang on the border of NSW and Queensland.

On Saturday Mungindi Jockey Club will be hoping for better luck this year after being washed out in 2022 and running a ‘phantom’ race meeting.

“The committee was proud of the hard work that went into the track to ensure it was perfectly prepared, but the sky had other plans,” said the club’s Helen Howse.

“Everything is looking great for us to return to racing on Saturday.

“Our meeting is perfectly timed with the school holidays for a great family day out and there will be a President’s Luncheon, food stalls, a jumping castle and foot races for all ages.

“Live entertainment and a fully licenced bar will be operating with bookmakers and a TAB also available for punters on the day.

“The Fashions on the Field is a highlight and attracts many entrants in both traditional and upmarket winter race styles.”

An after party at the Jolly Swagman Hotel, Mungindi kicks off from 7pm to midnight featuring BC Boss Entertainment.

The $14,000 Namoi Cotton and B&W Rural Mungindi Cup (1400m) was first held way back in 1872.

UPCOMING NSW COUNTRY RACE MEETINGS
Monday: Dubbo
Tuesday: Taree
Thursday: Ballina
Friday: Scone, Moruya
Saturday: Tuncurry, Mungindi (non-TAB), Duck Creek picnics (non-TAB at Nyngan)
Sunday: Grafton, Mudgee