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By Jeff Hanson

It’s no secret that Hay Jockey Club has done it tough in recent years.

Following the 2017-2019 drought, Hay missed out on the chance to race in 2020 and 2021, with the COVID pandemic forcing the club to abandon both meetings.

Their luck was meant to change last year, only for the NSW flood crisis to impact Hay, closing five of seven roads into town, denoting fewer starters and a smaller-than-expected crowd.

Patrons attending Hay races

“Last year, it was really stressful,” said Hay Jockey Club's President, Cam Clark.

“We were down to two roads in and out of Hay, and we had helicopters landing at the track to re-fuel, and they were carting sheep out of flood waters.

“Prior to that, with the two COVID years and the fact we have an older volunteer committee, we did not want to put them at risk, and we had to pull the pin on the races.

“Still, we pushed through with our 150th meeting last year, and there were clouds and thunder, and we wanted to race, and so did the jockeys, trainers, and stewards, so we pushed through and got it done in record time.

“We still got a decent crowd of around 1100, which was the blowout the town needed.”

2023 hasn’t exactly been rosy, with lamb and cattle prices putting pressure on farmers and the cost of living all the talk in the media, but the weather gods appear to be on the club’s side, and Hay Jockey Club is gearing up to host one of their biggest crowds in recent years when they race on Saturday 25th November.

“It’s a little bit of a tough time in the bush with lamb and beef prices, but it’s been a reasonably good season in the Riverina,” Clark said.

“We’re not really feeding stock, and I think everyone is still positive next year will improve and that we just need to ride this one through.

“That’s why the races are so important, as it gives everyone a chance to let their hair down.

“Ali (McLean) informed us that all 16 marquees have been booked, and I anticipate a couple thousand racegoers this year, and it’s shaping to be a really big day.

“We’ve got a couple of buses from Denilquin and High School finishes, so it’s a bit of a blowout for them.

“People have their Christmas parties, and everyone is talking about it, and we generally attract a pretty young demographic being that good time of year, so everything is pointing to a good meeting.”

The on-track entertainment won’t disappoint either, with the club offering a remarkable $94,000 in prizemoney on the day.

The Tapper Agri Services Hay Cup (1400m) is worth $20,000, and the rest of the program competes with SKY 2 prizemoney.

“The racecourse looks a million dollars; it’s picturesque,” Clark said. “The prizemoney is just shy of $100,000, which is good for a non-TAB meeting, and we need to do that to attract horses.

“As much as two-thirds of our patrons don’t see a horse, the rest do like a punt and enjoy the raving, and it’s important we put on a show for them.

“It’s a long way to Hay from anywhere, and if we are to compete with the likes of Swan Hill, who raced at a similar time to us last year, we need to have that extra prizemoney and keep it attractive to trainers, owners, and jockeys to ensure we have good fields.”

Hay will also have over $12,500 in prizes on offer for their Fashions on the Field, and it ticks all the boxes for what should be a great day.

“The fashions are really well patronised, and we’ve got a great committee again,” Clark said. “We’ve given Loryn Morphett free rein, and she has managed to get some really good prizes.

“It’s over $10,000 and spread across all categories, and it’s another big attraction, and I’m excited to see the roll up and all the well-dressed ladies and gentlemen.”

Headlined by Lady of the Plain, there will also be Best Millinery, Best Dressed Lady, Best Dressed Gent, and Best Dressed Couple.

View the race details for Hay here