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By Mark Brassel

The Central Western town of Wellington is locked and loaded as it prepares for a huge few days commencing on Friday.

The Wellington Boot Carnival spans three days and racing takes centre stage starting with Friday’s ‘Tradies & Ladies Day’ and Sunday’s Boot and Cup meeting.

Wellington Race Club will stage two premium days of racing on Friday & Sunday. Image by Janian McMillan (Racing Photography)

Squeezed in between is Saturday’s golf afternoon and a Cup Calcutta later in the evening.

And there’s even a train servicing the Wellington meeting on Sunday from Orange with all fares including the train ride, transfers to the racecourse and entry to the races (see Lachlan Valley Railway’s website).

“Our eight-race TAB program on the Friday features the [$40,000 Over The Line Racing] Iron Horse over 2400 metres with entry just $10,” said Wellington Race Club’s Treasurer/Secretary, Michael Keirle.

“And racegoers receive a ‘free Friday drink’ coupon with on-track entertainment by Sugar Shane Riley.

“From 8pm at Wellington Soldiers Memorial Club its free entry for the Last Stand Chisel/Barnes Show which will be fantastic.

“We don’t race on the Saturday but there’s plenty of action with the Wellington Golf Day before the Wellington Boot Calcutta at Wellington Soldiers Memorial Club with tickets on sale at 6pm and the Calcutta at 8pm.

“Special guests will be ‘Miracle’ Malcolm Johnson, former rugby league player Gary Freeman and former top jockey Greg Ryan. There will also be free entertainment from 9pm by DJ Jabba following the Calcutta.”

Onto Sunday’s feature raceday highlighted by the Wellington Boot and Cup with entry $20.

“We have some cracking races such as the Wellington Boot and at $200,000 it’s the richest race in the West,” said Keirle.

“The Wellington Cup carries $100,000 and is a qualifier for the Big Dance and the Wellington Town Plate is worth $75,000 which is an increase of $25,000 bringing total prizemoney for the Carnival to an incredible $810,000.

“Our Fashions on the Field is sponsored by Western Truck Group and De Bortoli and we’ll have entertainment by singer/guitarist Greg Hush.

“There is also a President’s Luncheon, full bar, a TAB, on-course bookies, a variety of food vendors, a coffee cart and free face painting for kids.”

Other attractions around Wellington include Wellington Caves, Burrendong Arboretum, Mt Arthur nature walks, and numerous pubs, clubs, cafes and restaurants.

Meanwhile, after losing last year’s race meeting to rain, the Muswellbrook community is gearing up for Muswellbrook Gold Cup Day on Friday.

“With last year’s Cup meeting washed out, the Cup was run at Newcastle, so the Muswellbrook and Hunter Valley communities are looking forward to this year’s edition,” said Christine Williams, Muswellbrook Race Club’s General Manager.

“The main building is out of play because of major renovations so the 2025 Cup will have a different look and feel to it.

“Muswellbrook Racecourse has beautiful gardens and lawn areas, and we will be focusing on and showcasing these outdoor facilities during the 12-month renovations.

“We held a very successful Tradies Raceday in November whereby the betting ring was transformed into our sponsors area, and we will be duplicating this concept on Cup Day and for future racedays this year.

“The track was renovated in December and has recovered well and there’s $485,000 in prizemoney including the $150,000 for the Muswellbrook Gold Cup [1500m] which is a Big Dance-eligible race for the $3 million feature at Royal Randwick in November.

“And we also have the $75,000 Skellatar Sprint (1000m) and three $50,000 races including one named after former Muswellbrook jockey and Melbourne Cup winner Wayne Harris.”

UPCOMING NSW COUNTRY RACE MEETINGS
Monday: Beaumont Track-Newcastle (Wine Country Race Club), Coffs Harbour
Tuesday: Taree
Friday: Wellington, Muswellbrook
Saturday: Port Macquarie, Tullibigeal picnics (non-TAB)
Sunday: Wellington, Wagga