30 April 2019 | Forbes HRC
THERE is a great tradition of racing in all three codes on Anzac Day.
It is a day to remember and appreciate all those who gave their lives and in many cases their innocence and youth so that we can enjoy a life that we sometimes take for granted.
There are many fantastic race meetings throughout the Australia and New Zealand and arguably the most significant race was the Forbes Diggers Cup won by the three-year-old Peter Bullock-trained and Amy Rees-driven Neville Shannon.
The Forbes Diggers Trotting Club was formed on Monday July 6, 1953, by the Forbes sub branch of the Returned Sailors, Soldiers and Airman’s Imperial League of Australia in a bid to help raise money for the building of the Forbes RSL club.
Since then the Forbes RSL has been the major sponsor of the Club and the Forbes Diggers Cup, even if not the most valuable race on the Club’s program, is still by far the most significant.
Prior to the running of the Diggers Cup a most moving Anzac ceremony was conducted on the track. Mounted horsemen and women carrying the flags from all three armed services accompanied by members of the Forbes Pony Club and a carriage paraded.
The Ode was recited by Brian Jones from the Forbes RSL. The Last Post, surely the most moving music you will ever hear was played, before 12-year-old Forbes schoolgirl Sienna Carver sang the national anthem. The moment was certainly not lost on the good crowd on course. The spirit of the Anzacs was felt by all.
The significance of the race was not lost by winning trainer Peter Bullock who said in his acceptance speech that the Forbes Diggers Cup is a race he has long wanted to win because of the history and aura around it.
Club president Lex Crosby said it is the ambition of the Forbes Club to work hard to raise the profile and prizemoney of the Diggers Cup, eventually making it one of the most sought after races on the country calendar. We surely owe it to the Diggers.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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