Harness Racing New South Wales will host a major race meeting in Eugowra on Anzac Day to raise funds for the western region following last year’s devastating floods.
Flood Relief ’23 will take place throughout the day on 25 April in what shapes as a significant economic boost to the local community.
The Eugowra Harness Racing Club will take over the traditional Anzac Day timeslot normally allocated to the Forbes Club.
Sadly, the floods caused considerable damage to the Forbes track, rendering it unable to host the race meeting.
Despite the destruction caused to the Eugowra township, the race track surface remained largely unscathed.
“What we saw across the western region during last year’s floods was heartbreaking and we immediately put our heads together to look at ways that we could continue to provide support and bring business back to the Eugowra community,” Harness Racing NSW Chief Executive John Dumesny said.
“With the Forbes track in no condition to race and knowing what a great job Eugowra doing in hosting their annual Canola Cup meeting, we thought this was a great opportunity to merge the two and put on a memorable community event that will not only raise spirits but also much needed money for the region.”
In the aftermath of the floods Harness Racing NSW purchased and distributed much needed bedding, food and living essentials to residents across western region.
While Flood Relief ’23 will slightly resemble the Canola Cup event which has developed such a high reputation across the state, there will be some exciting new additions on the program.
A centrepiece of the day will be a Driver’s Invitational Series featuring some of the leading reinsmen and women in Australia. The past two Inter Dominion champions Cameron Hart and Josh Gallagher are two who have already committed to the all-star race series.
“Our industry participants and especially our drivers have been remarkably generous ever since the floods. They have been donating a significant portion of their fees and winnings to the flood relief appeal fund and now they are going even further by giving up their time to head to Eugowra to take part in what shapes as some of the more memorable racing ever seen on the track.”
“The calibre who have committed is like nothing Eugowra has ever seen before so I really encourage everyone to get out and see them in action and meet and greet the stars of our sport.”
Flood Relief ’23 will be full of fun and entertainment for people of all ages with rides and treats for the kids, food, drinks and musical acts for the adults and spectacular racing on the track. The traditional Anzac Day ceremony hosted by the Forbes Club will also be held.
More details will be released in the lead-up to the Anzac Day event.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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