Full marks to the Marburg Pacing Association volunteers for turning what could have been a non-event into a great promotion tomorrow at the Marburg Showgrounds.
A top five race card will have a bookie, Stephen Anthony fielding at the track for the first time on the local trots and interstate gallops and as an added bonus the Club will have tipping competitions with great prizes including resort accommodation in Queensland’s tropical paradise Port Douglas, staying at the four star Mowbray By The Sea.
Club committeeman Denis Smith said things were looking quite grim for the August race meeting when the Clubs regular satchel swingers Terry Picone and Gordon Turner went AWOL due to having annual commitments at galloping meetings on the Birdsville circuit but a lot of searching and a little bit of luck and goodwill has turned the day’s fortunes around.
“We have gone from being minus a bookie to having a new man take the stand and the threat of having no betting has sparked us into action to get some good prizes for tipping competitions on course for our patrons, owners and trainers,” Smith said.
“Fast Work Horse Supplies proprietors, Peter and Bev Steele have introduced a “tip the last four winners” competition with $100 up for grabs with entry forms available on entry to the track as well at the canteen and in the race book and, if not won this meeting, the competition will jackpot by $50 per meeting.
“Harness racing folk Andrew and Melissa Curran, formerly of Bendigo and now of Port Douglas, have donated a two night package at their new venture “Mowbray By The Sea” a four star resort 100 metres from the water in the beautiful tropical haven.
“Just Google Mowbray By The Sea and it won’t take you long to see why you want to be in this draw. “The winner of this package will be offered an attractive rate if they wish to extend their stay.
“Air fares from Brisbane to Cairns are currently well priced so don’t miss this opportunity. Also as a bit on fun patrons will get $500 monopoly style money as they come through the gate to play with during the afternoon.
“There will be goods auctioned after the last race with bids taken in monopoly money won and kept during the afternoon. “Auction prizes include a $50 “dinner for two” courtesy of Danny Bowden from the local Marburg Hotel.
“The afternoon raffles will include meat tray prizes.”
Pre-race meeting harness racing Trials commence at 11.00am and the races start at 12.40pm.
Re-homed trotters will be performing on the infield between races.
Admission to the races is just a gold coin with the Marburg Pacing Association wanting as many people as possible to enjoy the day’s activities and events.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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