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By Geoff Newling

A record Quirindi Cup is on the way. The Friday 16 February Cup meeting has record prizemoney, a brilliant $285,000 for the Country Showcase meeting including $50,000 for the Akubra Quirindi Cup (1600m) to be handed out.

The grounds are in immaculate shape and club president, Danny Donoghue, hopes favourable weather will enable a big day for the club.

QJC president Danny Donoghue (left) and club secretary Ted Wilkinson with the Akubra Quirindi Cup

“Will be nice to race on a good 4,” he said, while surveying a track and surrounds that looked immaculate with a superb grass coverage.

“It’s all looking good though. We’ll have maximum fields with emergencies and very lucky to have the local council (Liverpool Plains Shire Council) on side. They support us very well.”

QJC secretary, Ted Wilkinson, said the record prizemoney is a major attraction for trainers far and wide while the QJC has endorsed the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service as its charity and will be supporting the “Chopper” from 2018 onwards.

“It’s our first year with them and we hope to grow that sponsorship and participation of the helicopter,” he said. While that is in its infancy with a WRHS Support Group luncheon at the track on Cup day the club enters the 31st year of its association with Akubra as a major sponsor.

“That all started way back in 1986 or 87,” Ted recalled. “(The late) Steve Keir came over and won either the Cup or a major race and he sponsored the Cup in 1988. It all started from there with Steve senior. Steve junior has continued that.”

He said preparations are well in hand with a Calcutta at the Quirindi RSL Club on Thursday 15 February with trainer Pat Webster the special guest. Tickets for that Calcutta will be available at the RSL Club.

Club Memberships ($30) are also available and can be organised with Ted Wilkinson (0408 461 905). Nominations for the Quirindi Cup meeting close 11am next Monday 12 February with weights due 4pm Tuesday 13 February and acceptances finalised at 9am on Wednesday 14 February.

View the race program for Quirindi's Country Showcase meeting here