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By Mark Brassel

The Central Western town of Wellington is ready to come alive this week with their Wellington Boot Carnival one of the biggest social occasions of the year.

The racing kicks off on Friday with an eight-race TAB meeting entrée before the main course arrives on Sunday with a total of $785,000 in prizemoney on the table.

Friday sees the start of the two-day Wellington Boot Carnival. Image by Janian McMillan (Racing Photography)

And there’s even a Lachlan Valley Railway ‘Wellington Boot Train’ that is extremely popular and runs from Orange taking an hour and a half for the journey.

The 1960s heritage rail motor has been operating since 1981 with fares including the train ride, transfers to the racecourse and entry to the races.

Wellington Race Club’s president, Peter Barton said the town will be at fever pitch all week.

“It starts with Friday’s meeting that features the [$40,000] Iron Horse over 2400 metres,” Barton said.

“Then on Saturday there is a big golf Ambrose Tournament at Wellington Golf Club.

“On Saturday night we run a Cup Calcutta at Wellington RSL with a big TAB presence featuring giveaways with a live band afterwards.

“There’s also plenty happening around town including a free exhibition of works from the inmates at Wellington Correctional Centre at Wellington Art Centre.

“Then to raceday on Sunday and we’ll have a Fashions on the Field contest with extensive prizes.

“And all winning connections of races receive special goodie hampers including wine.

“There are food stalls and a live band throughout the day with a feature the Black Cats Cocktail Bar and a Presidents Luncheon.”

The main events on Sunday are the $200,000 Wellington Boot (1000m) and the $100,000 Wellington Cup (1700m) which is a Big Dance qualifying event.

Around 2½ hours south of Wellington is Grenfell near Forbes where they will hold the annual picnic races on Saturday.

“Kids’ entertainment is our priority this year with free face painting, a jumping castle and a huge sandpit – the kids will be entertained all afternoon,” declared the Club’s Kelly Nealon.

“And not to mention the chance for everyone to dress in their best for our Fashions on the Field.

“It will certainly be a wonderful day for all ages and a shout out to Weddin Shire Council for supporting these children’s activities.

“Loaders Coaches will be running services throughout the afternoon to get patrons to and from the racetrack safely for just a gold coin donation.

“We also have ‘The Shed’ with tickets $100 but this includes the $20 gate entry, a catered lunch by Monica of Word-of-Mouth Functions & Catering, as well as all beverages.

“Through the generosity of our sponsor we can present numerous rewards throughout the day to owners, trainers and riders with fuel cards, horse rugs, hay and feed.

“These products will go to the best presented horse, the winners and the unplaced runners, and the leading rider and trainer for the day.

“We thank our sponsors South West Fuels, Grenfell Commodities, Grenfell Pharmacy, Bromar, The Hill Tops Equine Centre as well as Wally and James Barker.”

UPCOMING NSW COUNTRY RACE MEETINGS
Monday: Kempsey, Tamworth
Tuesday: Ballina
Thursday: Nowra
Friday: Wellington
Saturday: Casino, Holbrook (non-TAB), Grenfell picnics (non-TAB)
Sunday: Wellington, Grafton