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By Mark Brassel

Saturday marks a fabulous milestone for the northern NSW town of Moree when they host their 100th Moree picnic race meeting.

“We are excited to be celebrating 100 years of picnic races, being one of the oldest club’s in North West NSW having been established in 1924,” said Moree Picnic Race Club’s Lucinda Cush.

Fiocchi (Ricky Blewitt) claims last year's Moree Picnic Cup. Image by Bradley Photographers

“It’s a country raceday filled with great people, fashion, live entertainment, drinks, food and racing – this is one event you don't want to miss.

“Race patrons are once again encouraged to bring a picnic lunch to share with friends and family, underneath the main marquee at our President's Luncheon.

“The tradition of bringing a shared plate dates back to the beginning and is a fundamental element of the day.

“There will also be the Lions BBQ with steak and sausage sandwiches available for purchase.

“And the Fashions on the Field is very popular with Paula Joye, a journalist and style expert, the judge.

“Anyone can join us for a fabulous day of racing, wining, dining and dancing at the 2024 Moree picnic races featuring the sold-out Long Luncheon and Trackside Marquee.

“Our raceday is fondly known as the locals’ favourite event on the social calendar all year and is a must-attend event with a full bar and food facilities on course.”

The celebrations commence on Friday with a black-tie function at the Town and Country Club featuring Lisa Hunt, then Saturday’s race meeting is followed by an evening dinner dance on course.

“We have a night function from 6pm till late with a marquee dinner and Catering by Relish,” Lucinda said.

“It’s a countryside race event brimming with friendly folk, stylish outfits, live performances, refreshments, delicious cuisine and thrilling races.

“And being our 100th year we’ll have some incredibly special memorabilia items for people to peruse at our black-tie evening and on raceday.”

Meanwhile, Dubbo Turf Club will host the second annual Arrowfield Queen of the West & Mercedes-Benz Dubbo Ladies Raceday on Saturday.

The $50,000 Arrowfield Queen of the West is a 1200m restricted fillies and mares feature to be run under Benchmark 82 Handicap conditions.

Winning connections will also receive a nomination to the highly touted second year Arrowfield stallion Hitotsu to complement the attractive prize purse.

“We are delighted to continue our partnership with Arrowfield in providing a quality race for high grade race fillies and mares,” said DTC’s General Manager, Sam Fitzgerald.

“Hitotsu is a brilliant son of Maurice and won the Victoria Derby and Australia Derby double in 2021 along with his incredible first-up performance in the [Group 1] Australian Guineas
over a mile.”

The 2023 Arrowfield Queen of the West was won by the Scott Singleton-trained Dollar Magic, with that mare’s owners receiving a stallion nomination to dual Group 1 winner, Castelvecchio.

Following the Queen of the West, Dollar Magic then went on strong together remarkable nine-straight placings at TAB Highway or Saturday metropolitan grade.

Mr Fitzgerald highlighted the Arrowfield Queen of the West and Mercedes-Benz Dubbo Ladies Raceday as a prominent feature in the Club’s calendar and given the success of the inaugural
event in 2023, expects a big crowd for the meeting.

“The 2023 event was strongly patronised through our focus of providing high-end hospitality and quality racing.

“This year we will again host the luxury Queen of the West marquee and have strong bookings for private marquees and pre-booked packages.”

Nominations for the Arrowfield Queen of the West and support program close at 11am tomorrow.

And there’s Big Dance eligibility up for grabs in the $40,000 Gunnedah Showcase Cup (1600m) next Sunday.

Winner of the Cup then has the chance of competing in the $3 million Big Dance (1600m) at Royal Randwick in November.

On Gunnedah Cup Day there will be a Fashions on the Field, TAB, bar, marquee seating and a total of $284,000 in prizemoney for the eight-race TAB card.

The Paul Messara-trained Akasawa blitzed them as an odds-on favourite in the Gunnedah Cup last year.

UPCOMING NSW COUNTRY RACE MEETINGS
Monday: Taree, Albury
Tuesday: Coffs Harbour, Tamworth
Friday: Goulburn, Murwillumbah
Saturday: Wagga (Riverside Track), Dubbo, Moree picnics (non-TAB)
Sunday: Gunnedah, Moruya