Wind couldn’t dampen spirits at Louth Races

Winner of the 2019 Landmark Walsh Hughes Louth Cup – Austin, with Alex Murray, Trainer Rodney Robb, The Captain, Louth Turf Club President Jim Strachan, Greg Seiler presenting the Louth Cup on behalf of Landmark Walsh Hughes, Jockey Wendy Peel, and owner Wayne Brown PHOTO BY JANIAN MCMILLAN (WWW.RACINGPHOTOGRAPHY.COM.AU)

It was windy and dusty but that didn’t deter the crowd of racegoers who poured into Louth for the 61st running of the Louth Cup.

Louth Turf Club President Jim Strachan said there were approximately 4,500 people through the turnstiles, with more than 3,000 of those bringing their swags and tents.

Many make the trek from as far away as Western Australia, Victoria and Queensland.

“It wasn’t a good day, it was very windy but we were well supported by the crowd, the trainers and the owners,” Jim said.

The Louth Races have become one of the iconic meets on the racing calendar and one of Australia’s must-see events.

“Eighty to ninety per cent of our crowd camp, particularly on Saturday night and there were more than normal around the town, which is great.

“We have a group from Victoria who come up every year who are just incredible and they work nonstop for us. They help out before the races and then help clean up afterwards and most of the campers do the right thing and leave the place tidy.

“We have a group from Cobar collect all the cans and the money raised goes to the Cobar Hospital.

“It’s a terrific opportunity for the little clubs around town, as well as the race club, to raise money,” he said.

Louth Race Club has devoted supporters and even boasts a Guinness World Record holder, 94 year old Doug Carroll, the oldest bookmaker in the world.

Doug has been attending Louth races for more than 60 years and has no intention of retiring. He rates the Louth races as the best country race meeting in Australia.

That title might soon be official, as the Louth Turf Club is one of three nominees for Racing NSW’s Country Race Club of the Year for 2019.

Read more in the printed edition of the Western Herald.