Warren’s Golden Fleece Races this weekend
The thrill of bush racing is back again this Saturday when the Warren Jockey Club hosts its annual Golden Fleece race meeting.
A ‘must-do’ on the racing calendar for the “Randwick of the West”, the six race Sky2 event has a big day of racing and entertainment planned.
More than 200 local punters enjoyed the Autumn sunshine last year, as well as a sell-out crowd for their inaugural Golden Fleece Long Luncheon.
“The Long Lunch is back again this year, bigger and better than ever,” said Warren Jockey Club president Matt Colwell.
“We were thrilled with the success of the event last year. It was a sell-out for the luncheon, with overwhelmingly positive feedback.
“The Golden Fleece is our only Saturday race meet for the year, and I personally think it’s one of our best; the weather is usually perfect.”
Guests will enjoy a beautifully catered lunch from ‘Crooked Arrow’, drinks all afternoon from a private bar, and the recently revamped George Falkiner Lounge, where the luncheon is hosted, is perfectly air conditioned with prime viewing of the track finish line.
“Dubbo musician ‘Sugar Shane’ Riley will be keeping guests entertained between the races. There will be great prizes up for grabs for best dressed punters, plus a courtesy bus will be running between town and the track,” Matt said.
The Warren Jockey Club committee has been working hard the past few years to grow the club and cement its position as one of the Central West’s premier country tracks.
“Together with the Warren Shire Council, we’ve been working hard to keep the track in peak condition to help attract top bush horses, trainers, jockeys and punters to Warren,” Matt said.
“Last year, reports from jockeys were extremely positive. They love coming to our track,” he said.
“Country races really are an institution and a big part of the social fabric of towns throughout the area. They are a great social occasion and opportunity for locals to get together.”
Matt also acknowledged the importance of his dedicated volunteer committee and the race sponsors, who help ensure bush racing can continue in Warren.
“It’s also important that I acknowledge our sponsors, as well as the Jockey Club committee and volunteers. We are very lucky to have such an energetic and dedicated committee, and the continued backing of local businesses. Their ongoing support ensures we can keep racing,” Matt said.
This year the Warren Jockey Club is also partnering with local schools to do some fundraising activities for the schools.
The Warren Jockey Club is donating its gate takings from three of the four annual race meetings in Warren, beginning this year.
Warren Jockey Club spokesperson Harriet Gilmore said that the more the club gets through the gate, the more money can be donated to the local Warren Schools.
“It’s not only a great day of racing, its also helping out the community,” Ms Gilmore said.