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By Mark Brassel

One of the most eagerly awaited series in country NSW rolls out next Sunday when the Evergreen Turf Country Championships commences at Port Macquarie.

Port Macquarie Race Club will host the $150,000 Mid North Coast Championships (1200m) with a crackerjack field assured.

One of the top fancies will be the unbeaten Bodhi Boy who is prepared at Taree by Lyndall Olson.

It will be an action-packed afternoon at Port Macquarie next Sunday for the first Country Championships Day of 2025

The So You Think gelding has only raced three times for victories at Kempsey and twice at Port Macquarie.

“He’s winning on raw ability at the moment as he is bred to get over much further than the 1000m and 1100m,” Olson said.

“I don’t think he knows how good he is, and I don’t think we do either at this stage.

“He’s got a great will to win and it doesn’t matter who we put him up against, he always like to have that nose in front, even in track gallops.

“It will be lovely to get the win in the Qualifier at Port and gain a ticket to Royal Randwick in the [$1 million] Final.”

Nardi Beresford, Port Macquarie Race Club’s CEO, said the Club has some exciting things happening on Country Championships Day.

“We have a fully serviced and hosted three-course luncheon package by our award-winning onsite caterers in the Ivan Livermore Stand including a drink on arrival all for $120 per person which is excellent value,” she said.

“We’ll also have the Lawn Party with private bars and DJ throughout the afternoon at only $40 per person, along with a cocktail bar and live entertainment.

“There will be fashions with Best Dressed Male and Female where finalists will be spotted in the crowd by our judges and then presented on stage.

“The winners will be announced with fabulous prizes on offer and general admission is only $20, so we’re expecting a big crowd to join us.”

Meanwhile, down south its Merimbula Cup Day at Sapphire Coast on Thursday.

“Make the most of the day with TAB facilities, bookmakers, bars and a kiosk along with complimentary bus services to and from the track,” said Jen Svenoy, Sapphire Coast Turf Club’s Sponsorship & Marketing Manager.

“Merimbula Cup Day is proudly sponsored by Lakeview Hotel, Sails Real Estate, Greenway Turf Solutions, Sapphire Cellars Liquor Legends, Merimbula News Weekly, Wilson’s Signs and Excell Printing.”

And finally, Leeton Jockey Club has a new secretary with Graeme Knott stepping into the role after the position was vacant for several years.

“Our Club held the AGM with Grant Fitzsimon returned as president marking 21 years in the role,” explained LJC Publicity Officer, Kim Woods.

“The CopRice Leeton Cup will be held on the ANZAC Day weekend of Saturday April 26 with a full program of Fashions on the Field, live music, undercover betting, bar and canteen facilities.

“We are looking forward this year on following through on our plan to renew gates and fencing at the main entrance and a new outside rail before the finishing post.

“The Club also received a set of starting gates from Corowa Race Club with the previous Leeton gates going to Griffith Jockey Club.”

UPCOMING NSW COUNTRY RACE MEETINGS
Monday: Bathurst, Beaumont Track-Newcastle (Wine Country Race Club)
Tuesday: Goulburn
Thursday: Sapphire Coast
Friday: Ballina, Tamworth
Saturday: Orange, Holbrook (non-TAB), Bedgerabong picnics (non-TAB)
Sunday: Dubbo, Port Macquarie