Mates sticking together to assist flood-stricken western region

HARNESS Racing New South Wales has been at the forefront of assisting the flood-stricken western region of the state.

The governing body has been generous in its support over the past six months, providing financial assistance to those in the affected areas.

And the recent announcement of the Mates4Harness Flood Relief race meeting to be held at Eugowra has been met with a great deal of enthusiasm.

Severe flooding throughout November wreaked havoc throughout the central west, particularly at Eugowra, Forbes and Cowra, leaving a lingering effect on these communities and the aim of the race meeting is to raise much-needed funds to assist them.

Traditionally, Anzac Day racing is reserved for the Forbes Diggers Harness Racing Club, but due to the damage caused by the flooding at Forbes, it was not possible to race there.

Ironically, the Eugowra Showground Paceway was unharmed in the catastrophic events of November 17, so given the close proximity to Forbes it was logical that the meeting be moved to Eugowra in a bid to lift the spirits of those whose lives were turned upside down.

With the support of HRNSW and the Western District Harness Racing Association, the Forbes and Eugowra Clubs are working together to prepare for what is shaping as one of the biggest and best race meetings seen in country New South Wales for several years.

Eugowra Club co-ordinator Jodie Greenhalgh and her family were one of many that lost almost everything on that fateful day and believes that having this race meeting in Eugowra will certainly lift the spirits of their community.

“It has been a terrible time, not only for Eugowra, but for much of the immediate area,” said Greenhalgh.

“To be able to work with the Forbes club, other clubs in the region and Harness Racing NSW to put this meeting on in Eugowra is sure to lift the spirits of everyone here, I have no doubt.

“The entire harness racing fraternity has been unreal in the many different ways they have come forward to support us all.

“It has been so humbling and appreciated and we cannot thank them enough.

“I know everyone is really looking forward to the day when the Eugowra folk can show how grateful we all are.”

Meanwhile Bathurst race tonight with a strong 10-race program which begins at 5:42pm.